A collection of the most ornamental roses and thorns suitable for cultivation in Lithuanian conditions, representing the diversity of ornamental traits of roses.

Thorns and roses (Rosa L.) are plants of the rose genus (Rosaceae). The wild species of the genus are called thorns and the cultivated species are called roses. The genus contains about 350-400 species and more than 10000 varieties. Wild thorn species are used as rootstocks, some are planted in plantations, and some are also of industrial importance. The rose petals are used to produce rose oil and the fruit to produce vitamin preparations. Cultivated roses, also known as garden roses, are grown as ornamental plants.

Roses were introduced in Lithuania in the early 19th century. In 1820, the botanist J. Strumila mentions some thorns and cultivated roses that can be grown in Lithuania. In the interwar period, roses were cultivated in manor parks, in botanical gardens and in some places in nurseries. Roses were also cultivated in the Vingis section of the Botanical Garden: in 1928, the French rose (Rosa gallica) was mentioned, in 1953 - 8 species of thorns, and since 1969 the range of cultivated roses has been expanded, but many of the varieties did not survive the cold winters, and in 1977, only 60 varieties were left in the open ground. The rose exhibition in Kairėnai was started in 1996 and the rose garden in the Vingis section was re-established in 2000.

At the 14th International Horticultural Congress, the American Rose Society divided roses into groups according to the variety's main characteristics - its ornamental and biological qualities.

There are three main major groups: species (thorns), ancient roses (groups existing before 1867, such as French, Damask, White-flowered, Moss, Bourbon, Remnant, Portland, Thistle), modern roses (groups that emerged after 1867, when one of the first hybrid tea roses, 'La France', was developed. The date of introduction of this variety is used to distinguish the ancient garden roses from the modern ones).

VU Botanical Garden aims to create a collection of ancient and modern roses that are the most suitable for cultivation in Lithuania. The most resistant varieties to diseases, pests and frost are selected. Varieties are also selected for their ornamental qualities, flower color, flower shape and bush size. The Vingis section currently grows 150 varieties (550 bushes) of the main rose groups (tea hybrid, polyanthus, floribunda, miniature, modern shrub), which bloom almost continuously until late autumn, and in Kairėnai, next to the linden tree avenue of the old park, 80 names of ancient roses, 79 modern shrub roses, and 16 varieties of polyanthus roses, are grown in a 1.5ha plot.

		French rose (Rosa gallica) 'Belle de Crecy’ Shrub 1.5-2m tall, 1-2m wide. The newly opened flowers are intensely cherry colored with a purplish pink tinge. They fade slightly to a light purple color as they open. The flowers are full-bodied and are among the most fragrant of all French roses. Blooms once in early June. Sufficiently resistant to fungal diseases and frost. Ancient rose group, Roeser/Hardy, France, before 1829.
		White rose of York (Rosa alba) 'Felicite Parmentier' It is a steep, compact shrub, about 1.5m tall. It is the smallest of white roses. The flowers are very full-bodied, very fragrant, pale pink, the edges of the flower becoming lighter later. It blooms once very profusely and for a long time in the first half of summer. The leaves are grayish green. Soil tolerant, disease and frost resistant. Group of old roses from Parmentier, Belgium, before 1836 (syn. 'Felicite').
		Lenten rose (Rosa) 'Wedding Bells' A deciduous, steep, luxuriant, spiny shrub. Height 70cm, width 50cm. Leaves are large, dark green, glossy. The flowers are intense pink, very full, 8-10cm across, cup-shaped, the petals curve outwards when they open, with a pleasant scent, one or more flowers per stem. Flowering starts in mid-June and continues intermittently until October. Very resistant to fungal diseases, humidity, overwinters well. W. Kordes & Sons Germany, 2011
		Bush rose (Rosa) 'Novalis' Summergreen, erect, dense, compact, low-spiny shrub. Height 80-90cm, width 50cm. Leaves are large, dark green, glossy. Flower rare, pale lilac, very full, 8-10cm across, flattened, cup-shaped (rosette), with a faint, pleasant scent, fading in the sun, in single or few inflorescences. Flowering starts in mid-June and is very profuse and intermittent until October. Very resistant to fungal diseases, frost, but weaker to humidity. W. Kordes & Sons Germany, 2010