Roses have a way of stealing the spotlight, no matter the season or setting. They’re classic, yes, but they’re also incredibly varied, with blooms that range from delicate and wild-looking to big and theatrical. With the right variety, roses can fit into just about any kind of garden, from tidy borders to sprawling cottage-style beds.
What makes roses so rewarding is how personal the choice can be. Some people fall for fragrance, others go for color or bloom shape, and some just want a plant that won’t throw a fit in their soil. With so many options out there, it helps to see what’s possible. These 25 rose varieties offer a little something for every garden style—timeless, surprising, and full of character.
Mister Lincoln
The Mister Lincoln rose stands as a true icon among hybrid tea roses. Its deep red blooms are velvety to the touch, exuding a fragrance that captivates the senses. This rose is often found in formal garden settings.
Gardeners adore its resilient nature, as it stands up to the challenges of varying climates. This rose’s tall, upright form makes it a striking centerpiece in any garden theme. Mister Lincoln offers not just beauty but also a piece of historic horticulture.
Did you know? This rose was named after Abraham Lincoln, reflecting its stately elegance.
Peace Rose
The Peace rose symbolizes tranquility and harmony, boasting large blooms with creamy yellow petals edged in pink. Known for its robust growth, this rose thrives in various soil types.
Its gentle fragrance enhances the serenity it brings to gardens. Ideal for memorial gardens, its peaceful hues are perfect for contemplative spaces.
A historical note: this rose was introduced at the end of World War II, embodying hope and renewal for many gardeners.
Double Delight
Double Delight roses are famous for their striking color contrast and intoxicating scent. The petals start creamy white and gradually reveal vibrant red tips as they bloom.
Gardeners cherish this ever-changing spectacle. It performs beautifully in sunny borders or as a standalone showpiece.
The fragrance is as memorable as its appearance, leaving a lasting impression. Fun fact: the Double Delight rose won the All-America Rose Selections award in 1977.
Iceberg Rose
Iceberg roses, with their pure white blooms, bring an aura of elegance and simplicity to gardens. Known for their prolific flowering, they are a favorite for mass plantings.
These roses thrive in both sun and partial shade, making them versatile for various garden layouts. The soft, sweet fragrance adds to their allure.
Versatile and low-maintenance, Iceberg roses are perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. They were introduced in Germany in 1958 and remain popular worldwide.
Queen Elizabeth
Majestic and regal, the Queen Elizabeth rose carries the name with grace. Its tall stems support clusters of soft pink blooms that exude a light, pleasant fragrance.
This grandiflora rose is ideal for cutting gardens or as a striking hedge. Its elegant presence can transform any garden into a royal landscape.
Introduced in 1954, it was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, highlighting its timeless appeal.
Lady of Shalott
The Lady of Shalott rose offers a warm, nostalgic charm with its orange-yellow blooms and light tea fragrance. Its vigorous growth makes it a reliable choice for various garden styles.
Perfect for cottage gardens, its resilient nature withstands different climates and diseases. Its name, inspired by Tennyson’s poem, adds a touch of literary romance.
This rose is a favorite for creating romantic garden paths and lush borders, inviting bees and admirers alike.
Abraham Darby
Abraham Darby roses are celebrated for their large, cupped blooms in shades of apricot and pink. Their strong, fruity fragrance is a delight for any garden.
These roses are perfect for mixed borders, offering a splash of color and scent. Their robust growth and resistance to disease make them a gardener’s favorite.
Named after the industrial pioneer, these roses bridge the gap between history and horticulture, providing beauty and resilience.
Knock Out Rose
The Knock Out rose redefined easy-care roses with its vibrant blooms and disease resistance. This rose offers continuous color with minimal upkeep, perfect for busy gardeners.
Its bright pink flowers enhance any landscape, from urban balconies to suburban yards. The Knock Out rose is versatile, thriving in a range of conditions.
Introduced in 2000, it quickly became a bestseller, appreciated for its hardiness and vibrant display, making it a staple in modern gardens.
Eden Climber
Eden Climber roses transform vertical spaces with their large, creamy pink blooms and graceful structure. These roses are perfect for trellises and arbors, adding vertical interest.
Their soft fragrance and romantic appearance make them a favorite for wedding venues and romantic gardens. The Eden Climber offers a timeless elegance that enhances any outdoor setting.
Introduced in 1985, these roses have won numerous awards for their beauty and performance, symbolizing love and romance.
Cecil Brunner
Cecil Brunner roses, often called ‘Sweetheart Roses,’ are cherished for their small, dainty pink blooms. Their fragrant blossoms are perfect for bouquets and boutonnieres.
These roses thrive in warmer climates, climbing gracefully over fences and arbors. Their old-fashioned charm makes them a favorite for cottage and vintage-style gardens.
Introduced in the late 19th century, Cecil Brunner roses remain a classic choice, embodying romantic nostalgia.
Sally Holmes
Sally Holmes roses are known for their large clusters of creamy white blooms that cover the bush throughout the season. These roses are vigorous growers, ideal for creating dense, flowering hedges.
Their subtle fragrance and showy displays make them a delightful addition to both formal and informal gardens. Sally Holmes roses are easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance.
Introduced in 1976, these roses have won accolades for their performance and beauty, making them a garden staple.
Teasing Georgia
Teasing Georgia roses bring sunny warmth to any garden with their rich yellow blooms. Their relaxed growth habit complements informal garden designs and English cottage styles.
These roses are known for their reliable performance and resistance to diseases. The light, fruity fragrance is an added delight for passersby.
Named after a friend of the breeder, these roses add a personal touch to gardens, combining beauty with heartfelt sentiment.
Graham Thomas
Graham Thomas roses are celebrated for their bright, cheerful yellow blooms and strong tea fragrance. These roses are a standout feature in any garden, offering both color and scent.
Their vigorous growth and disease resistance make them a preferred choice for gardeners seeking reliability and beauty. They perform well in mixed borders or as standalone features.
Named after the famous horticulturist, these roses are a testament to classic garden design, embodying elegance and vibrancy.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral roses exude purity with their white blooms and subtle, myrrh-like fragrance. These roses are perfect for traditional and formal gardens, lending a touch of elegance.
Their compact form and repeat flowering make them an ideal choice for borders and containers. These roses are appreciated for their disease resistance and resilience.
Introduced as a sport of Mary Rose, they carry the grace and charm associated with English roses, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Koko Loko
Koko Loko roses intrigue with their unique latte-colored blooms that transition to lavender as they mature. These roses bring an unexpected twist to garden palettes.
Their moderate fragrance complements the unusual hue, making them a conversation starter in modern and eclectic garden styles. Koko Loko roses are compact and hardy, thriving in various conditions.
Introduced recently, these roses are gaining popularity for their distinctive color and adaptability, offering a fresh perspective on rose gardening.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin roses are known for their large, cupped blooms in a rich yellow hue. Their strong, fruity fragrance delights the senses, making them a favorite for sensory gardens.
These roses perform well in mixed borders, offering both substance and style. Their robust nature and disease resistance are appreciated by gardeners seeking reliable blooms.
Named after the renowned naturalist, these roses reflect a spirit of exploration and discovery, perfect for those who appreciate garden artistry.
Julia Child
Julia Child roses, with their buttery yellow blooms, are as delightful as the chef they are named after. These roses exude a mild, sweet fragrance, enhancing culinary-themed gardens.
Their compact form and floriferous nature make them perfect for both container gardening and traditional beds. Gardeners enjoy their disease resistance and easy care.
Introduced in 2006, these roses quickly became favorites, bringing a touch of gourmet elegance to gardens worldwide.
The Fairy
The Fairy roses charm with their small, soft pink blooms that cover the bush in a fairy-tale fashion. These roses are perfect for whimsical gardens and playful landscapes.
Their abundant flowering and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for ground cover and borders. The Fairy roses are resilient, thriving in a variety of conditions.
Since their introduction in 1932, these roses have been cherished for their enchanting appearance, adding magic and wonder to any garden.
Blue Moon
Blue Moon roses captivate with their rare lavender blooms and strong, citrusy fragrance. These roses are ideal for romantic and mystical garden themes.
Their striking color makes them a popular choice for cut flowers and bouquets. Despite their delicate appearance, they are robust growers, resisting common rose diseases.
The Blue Moon rose offers a touch of the extraordinary, inviting curiosity and admiration from all who encounter it.
Hot Cocoa
Hot Cocoa roses surprise with their rusty orange blooms that evoke the warmth of a cozy autumn day. These roses are a great choice for seasonal gardens and rustic settings.
Their moderate fragrance and unique color provide a sensory delight. Hot Cocoa roses are known for their resilience, thriving in diverse climates.
Since their debut in 2003, these roses have added a distinctive flair to gardens, reminiscent of rich chocolate and warm spices.
Pierre de Ronsard
Pierre de Ronsard, also known as Eden Rose, enchants with its large, creamy pink blooms and romantic climbing habit. Perfect for arches and pergolas, these roses add height and elegance.
Their light fragrance and classic beauty make them a favorite for wedding gardens and romantic escapes. They thrive in full sun, offering abundance and charm.
Named after the French poet, these roses capture the essence of romance and artistry, ideal for creating poetic landscapes.
Burgundy Iceberg
Burgundy Iceberg roses offer a dramatic twist on the classic Iceberg variety with their deep red blooms. These roses are perfect for creating a bold statement in any garden.
Their subtle fragrance adds to their appeal, making them suitable for both formal and informal settings. Gardeners appreciate their hardiness and generous flowering.
Introduced as a sport of the original Iceberg, these roses bring richness and depth to garden designs, enhancing visual interest.
Pat Austin
Pat Austin roses stand out with their copper-orange blooms and strong, fruity fragrance. These roses add warmth and vibrancy to gardens, perfect for sunset-themed landscapes.
Their semi-double flowers and vigorous growth make them a popular choice among gardeners. Pat Austin roses thrive in sunny locations, offering stunning displays.
Named after the wife of the breeder, these roses combine personal sentiment with horticultural excellence, embodying love and dedication.
Autumn Sunset Rose
The Autumn Sunset Rose bursts with the warmth of a golden sundown. Its apricot-orange blossoms, kissed by pink hues at the edges, create a mesmerizing spectacle.
This rose thrives in the cool embrace of autumn, offering a rich palette to your garden. Despite the growing chill, its fragrance lingers, a gentle reminder of warmer days.
Regarded for its resilience, the Autumn Sunset stands as a testament to nature’s adaptability. As a climber, it beautifully adorns fences or trellises, providing vertical interest and vibrant color.
Sweet Drift Rose
Sweet Drift Rose, with its dainty light pink blooms, brings a touch of elegance to any landscape. Its petite blossoms form generous clusters, creating a soft blanket of color.
Perfect for low borders or containers, this rose offers continuous blooms from spring to frost. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or urban patios.
Known for its disease resistance, the Sweet Drift requires minimal care, rewarding gardeners with abundant beauty. Its charm lies not just in appearance but in its adaptability to various garden themes.