Seed-grown, compact, bushy, dwarf roses developed by Léonard Lille in the late 19th century and called, variously, Fairy Roses, Plate Bande, midget roses, pygmy roses and Polyantha Nana. These roses grew from seed and flowered the same year they were planted. The parentage of these roses is still something of a mystery. Sources report that seed collected in Japan was sent to Lyon in the 1860's and 1870's. One line of breeding produced the Polyantha roses. Lille produced his line of Plate-bande roses that were sold as seed.

The term "Fairy Roses" also applies to miniature China roses, known as Lawranceanas.