And how Belle Epoque builds on thousands of years of rose history

The story of the rose begins long before there were gardens, rose nurseries, or breeding. The first roses simply grew wild — in hills, forests, and mountainous areas spread across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Botanists believe that the ancient roses are millions of years old. The oldest fossil remains of roses have been found in North America and date from about 35 million years ago. But the rose as we know it, with its refined scent and full flower form, mainly originates in Asia.

The first journey: how the rose came to Europe

The earliest documented cultivation of roses began in China and ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Here, the rose was used thousands of years ago for perfumes, medicine, and rituals. Through trade routes such as the Silk Road, roses and rose products traveled to the West.
The Greeks and Romans were then the first in Europe to consciously cultivate roses. Roman gardens were full of Damascena’s — the rose we still recognize today as the basis for rose oil.

Over the centuries, the rose spread further through Europe, where monasteries, aristocratic gardens, and later the first botanical gardens played an important role in the further development and distribution of varieties.

The old rose groups – the roses from before 1867

The roses that existed before 1867 are now called old roses. They are loved for their once-only bloom, strong fragrance, and classic forms. These are the roses we know from historical paintings and castle gardens. Gallica - Perhaps the oldest European cultivated rose. Once-only bloom, compact shrub, intensely fragrant. The Damascena (Damask rose) well known for the famous rose oil. Graceful, fragrant, beloved since Roman times. The Alba roses - white and soft pink roses with elegant foliage and exceptional health. The Centifolia (Cabbage rose) the iconic ‘cabbage rose’ with large, globular flowers. The Moss roses - a special mutation of the Centifolia, recognizable by the mossy, fragrant layer on the calyx. Perhaps less known are the Portland roses one of the first groups to introduce repeat flowering — at the time this was a real milestone. The Musk roses - airy flowers in clusters, softly scented, elegant and natural. The Bourbon originated on Île Bourbon (Réunion), vigorous growers that often repeat bloom. The Chinese roses the real breakthrough for modern roses. Repeat-flowering, subtle, refined — and the basis of almost all modern roses we know today.

From old roses to a new generation – in other words, the transition groups

In the 19th century, breeders worldwide began experimenting with crosses between European old roses and Asian varieties. This led to the transition groups:

• Noisette, soft climbers with fine clusters and light fragrance
• Remontant roses, powerful, large-flowered and repeat-flowering
• Tea roses, with slender buds and refined colors

These groups formed the bridge to the real revolution that would follow.

1867: the birth of the modern rose

With the introduction of La France in 1867, the very first Hybrid Tea was created — a cross between a Tea rose and a Remontant rose. This marked the beginning of the modern rose era.

Modern roses are characterized by richer blooming, stronger health, and an enormous variety in shape and growth habit.

They include, among others:

• Hybrid Tea, large-flowered, classic ‘bouquet rose’ shape
• Floribunda, blooms in clusters, very floriferous
• Grandiflora, large flowers in clusters
• Polyantha, compact and low maintenance
• Shrub/heester roses, strong bushes often with a lot of fragrance (such as David Austin)
• English roses, modern roses with classic shapes
• Climbing roses, strong, long shoots up to 2–3 meters
• Rambler roses, long flexible branches and thousands of small flowers
• Ground cover, low and wide growing, ideal for bedding plants

These groups dominate today’s gardens.

Botanical / wild roses – the beginning of everything

Wild roses such as Rosa canina, Rosa rugosa, and Rosa pimpinellifolia still grow in natural areas worldwide.
They bloom simply and briefly, but are extremely hardy and loved by bees and birds because of their hips.

Although they are becoming less popular for private gardens, wild roses still form the basis of breeding projects and biodiversity.

From history to contemporary garden trends – what customers are looking for today

At Belle Epoque, we see that customer preferences are shifting. Some groups remain classics, while others are gaining ground.

Shrub roses and Climbing roses are by far the most popular

Dutch and European gardens ask for strong, repeat-flowering roses that provide structure and height.
Examples that are hugely in demand:

• David Austin shrub roses
• Modern strong Climbing roses
• Repeat-flowering shrub roses with lots of fragrance

Ramblers remain popular, but less than before

For large gardens and rural areas, ramblers are still fantastic, but the demand is slightly smaller because modern gardens are becoming more compact.

Fragrance remains worth its weight in gold

Many customers still specifically look for a fragrant rose.
That is why English Roses and musk roses remain so beloved.

Edible roses — a huge new trend

The demand for organic edible roses grows every year.
They are used for pastries, syrups, tea, and edible decoration.
Belle Epoque now has its own line of six organic edible varieties.

Japanese roses — the desire for unique and refined

More and more garden lovers want something different than the ‘classic’ rose.
That is why interest in Japanese roses is growing rapidly:

• subtle colors
• unique flower shapes
• refined elegance
• strong growth

Belle Epoque is one of the pioneers who, together with a select group of Japanese breeders, brings new roses to Europe. In Japan, roses are still developed with craftsmanship, dedication, and a lot of patience — often by small family businesses that have been passing down and refining their craft for generations.

A new phase: Belle Epoque also develops its own roses

And then something special: we have started a small-scale breeding program ourselves. With our own selection and from our own vision, we work on new roses specially developed for the true rose and garden lover. Sustainable, refined, and absolutely unique.

No mass production, but small editions with character — roses with personality, passion, and an authentic Dutch signature.