Traditionally, old garden varieties and Hybrid Teas dominated the rose market. These varieties were delicate and bred specifically for their beauty. Their diseases, pests, and climate limitations were the burden of the individual gardener—a burden born with great pride, because very few people were willing to make the sacrifice. To have a yard full of roses spoke loudly, touting the reputation of the rosarian. Many people who grew roses grew little else. That is starting to change.
New, low-maintenance rose varieties are introducing rose gardening to new demographic groups, and redefining the rosarian. After the Rose Knock Out was chosen as an All- America Rose Selection (AARS) in 2000, it sold better in the following years than any rose ever before. The disease resistance and hardiness of this plant made it accessible to even the most novice gardeners. Commercial landscapers who normally avoided roses because of the hassle began using them everywhere. This was the start of a different way of thinking about roses. Breeders have seen how much people love easy roses, and I think roses will continue to get stronger.
Finally, roses for everyone to enjoy. Some people believe that one can only hold the coveted titles of Rosarian through suffering and endless fussing with the flowers. That is not the case any longer and its a beautiful new day for us all.