Imagine stepping into your garden and being greeted by the sweetest, most intoxicating rose scents—pure heaven, right?
Some roses aren’t just beautiful; they perfume the air with fragrances that can stop you in your tracks. If you’re looking to fill your garden with the best-smelling varieties, you’re in for a treat.
From classic, old-fashioned favorites to newer varieties with unbelievable scents, this list has something for every rose lover. Get ready to enjoy a garden that smells just as stunning as it looks!
1. Damascus Rose
Let’s talk about a bloom that’s been steeped in history for centuries. The Damascus Rose, or Rosa damascena, is famed for its rich, intoxicating fragrance that has been used in perfumes and rose oils worldwide.
Its vibrant pink petals are not just a delight to the nose but also to the eyes, making it a garden favorite. When planting, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and a bit of pampering with organic compost to achieve its full aromatic potential.
2. Double Delight
How can one resist the allure of an ever-changing bloom? The Double Delight rose is a chameleon in the garden, starting with creamy white petals that blush into a stunning red. It’s not just a visual treat—its fragrance is as delightful as its name suggests, offering a sweet, spicy scent.
For the best hue transition, plant it in a sunny spot and ensure regular watering. This rose loves attention, so regular feeding with rose fertilizer keeps it in peak form.
3. Mister Lincoln
Elegance and sophistication unite in the Mister Lincoln rose, a classic choice for any rose enthusiast. Its dark red petals are as velvety as they look, exuding a bold fragrance that commands attention.
This tall hybrid tea rose prefers full sun, thriving best in well-drained soil. Prune regularly to maintain its regal stature and remove faded blooms to encourage more heavenly blossoms.
4. Eden Rose
Romance blossoms in the form of the Eden Rose, gracing your garden with its large, pastel blooms. This climbing beauty, also known as Pierre de Ronsard, enchants with its light but intoxicating fragrance.
Perfect for arbors or trellises, give it space to climb, and watch it transform walls into floral masterpieces. It loves a mix of sun and partial shade and benefits from a deep watering schedule during dry spells.
5. Lady of Shallott
Venturing into the realm of poetic blooms, the Lady of Shallott rose offers a stunning apricot-orange display. Its fragrance is equally enchanting, carrying hints of apple and cloves that add a unique touch to any garden.
Perfect for beginners, this rose is disease-resistant and thrives with minimal fuss. Plant in well-drained soil with ample sunlight to keep it flourishing year-round.
6. Honey Perfume
If you’re seeking a sweet, citrusy fragrance, the Honey Perfume rose is the one for you. Its amber-colored blooms exude a rich scent reminiscent of honey and spices, perfect for sensory indulgence.
For optimal growth, plant it in a sunny spot with good air circulation to prevent mildew. Regular deadheading and fertilizing encourage continuous blooming, ensuring your garden remains a sensory delight.
7. Gertrude Jekyll
Enchantingly old-fashioned, the Gertrude Jekyll rose brings a touch of nostalgia with its intense, sweet fragrance. Named after the famous garden designer, it blooms with full, pink flowers that are the epitome of classic beauty.
It thrives in well-drained soil and appreciates a sunny location to maximize its floral display. Regular pruning and deadheading help maintain its vigor and encourage repeat blooms.
8. Cabbage Rose
Step into a world of vintage charm with the Cabbage Rose, or Rosa centifolia. Its densely packed petals form a rounded bloom, offering a fragrance that’s as rich as its appearance.
This rose loves a sunny garden spot and rich, loamy soil to thrive. To keep it in top condition, ensure regular watering and a yearly application of organic mulch.
9. Fragrant Cloud
Indulge your senses with the Fragrant Cloud, a rose renowned for its intense, spicy scent. Its vibrant coral-orange petals add a fiery touch to any garden setting.
Position it in full sun with well-drained soil and watch it thrive with minimal care. Regular feeding and strategic pruning keep this aromatic beauty blooming throughout the season.
10. Scentimental
Add a touch of whimsy to your garden with the Scentimental rose, a variety that sports distinctive red and white stripes. Its sweet, spicy fragrance is a playful complement to its unique appearance.
Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil to allow it to flourish. Frequent watering and regular feeding keep its blooms vibrant and fragrant.
11. Boscobel
There’s a touch of elegance and charm in Boscobel roses, with their coral-pink blooms that delight both the eyes and nose. The scent is a rich mix of myrrh and pear, creating a sensory bouquet that’s hard to resist.
They thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, making them relatively easy to care for. To maintain their beauty, provide regular feeding and prune lightly to encourage new growth.
12. Climbing Iceberg
Transform your garden into a winter wonderland with the Climbing Iceberg rose, famous for its pure white blooms. While their appearance is cool and serene, their subtle fragrance is a delightful surprise.
Ideal for vertical spaces, they flourish when given room to climb and plenty of sunshine. Regular watering and feeding keep the climber vigorous and blooming profusely.
13. Julia Child
Celebrate culinary charm in your garden with the Julia Child rose, known for its buttery yellow blooms. Its licorice-like fragrance is a sweet addition to its vibrant appearance, bringing warmth to any garden.
Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil for best results. Regular pruning and feeding ensure a continuous display of cheerful blooms.
14. Peace
Embark on a journey of tranquility with the Peace rose, a symbol of harmony in the rose world. Its large, yellow blooms are touched with pink edges, exuding a light, fruity fragrance that soothes the senses.
Position in a sunny but sheltered spot to protect its delicate petals from wind damage. Regular feeding and deadheading encourage repeated blossoming.
15. Chrysler Imperial
Elevate your garden’s elegance with the Chrysler Imperial rose, boasting deep red blooms that are as velvety as they are fragrant. Its bold, rich scent adds a touch of luxury and is perfect for cutting gardens.
This rose thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding you with repeated blooms. Ensure regular feeding and pruning for continuous growth and flowering.
16. Fragrant Plum
Dive into a world of color and scent with the Fragrant Plum rose, where lavender petals blend into rich magenta. Its sweet, spicy fragrance is a perfect match for its stunning appearance.
Plant in a sunny location and ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot. Regular feeding and pruning help maintain its health and encourage abundant blooms.
17. New Dawn
Breathe life into your garden with the New Dawn rose, a vigorous climber known for its blush pink blooms. Its subtle but sweet fragrance adds an air of romance to any garden space.
Ideal for arbors or fences, provide ample space to showcase its climbing prowess. Regular deadheading and feeding ensure it remains a prolific bloomer.
18. Yves Piaget
Indulge in luxury with the Yves Piaget rose, whose large, fuchsia blooms are as fragrant as they are stunning. The scent is a complex mix of citrus and old rose, captivating both gardeners and spectators alike.
Plant in a sunny yet sheltered spot to protect its delicate petals. Regular watering and feeding keep it blooming beautifully throughout the season.
19. Sally Holmes
Charming simplicity defines the Sally Holmes rose, with its creamy white clusters offering a delicate fragrance. It’s a robust performer, producing blooms continuously throughout the season. Perfect for those who love a natural look, plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Regular feeding and minimal pruning keep it looking effortlessly beautiful.
20. Blush Noisette
Step into a storybook garden with Blush Noisette, a rose that brings romance with its clusters of soft pink blooms. Its delicate fragrance is a charming addition to its old-world appearance.
Thriving in warmth, plant it in a sunny location with good air circulation. Regular feeding and light pruning help maintain its vigor and abundant flowering.
21. La France
Welcome the first hybrid tea rose, La France, with its elegant pink blooms that offer a light, sweet fragrance reminiscent of old gardens. Its historical significance is matched by its enchanting beauty. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot to protect from harsh winds and ensure well-drained soil. Regular feeding and deadheading encourage repeat bloomings.
22. The Fairy
Enchant your garden with The Fairy rose, a charming variety that produces clusters of small, soft pink blooms. Its subtle fragrance complements its dainty appearance, creating a magical garden ambiance.
Thrives in sunny locations with good drainage and resists disease well. Minimal maintenance is needed, just regular feeding and occasional pruning to keep it tidy.
23. Perfume Delight
Treat your senses to the Perfume Delight rose, a variety that lives up to its name with an intense, sweet fragrance. Its vibrant pink blooms are as striking as they are aromatic, making it a standout choice.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for optimal results. Regular watering and feeding keep this beauty blooming generously.
24. Tiffany
Step into elegance with the Tiffany rose, where pink and apricot blooms exude a delightful fruity fragrance. Its beauty and scent make it a favorite for both cutting gardens and borders.
Plant in a sunny, sheltered location for protection from harsh weather. Regular feeding and deadheading help maintain its beauty and encourage new blooms.
25. Cecil Brunner
Grace your garden with Cecil Brunner, known as the “Sweetheart Rose,” where small pink blooms offer a subtle but enchanting fragrance. Perfect for bouquets, this rose’s beauty lies in its delicate charm. Thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it a versatile garden favorite. Regular feeding and light pruning keep it in top form.
26. Molineux
Add a touch of sunshine with Molineux, where rich yellow blooms brighten any garden space with their delightful scent. Its compact form and continuous flowering make it a favorite among rose lovers.
Thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sun, offering a low-maintenance display of color. Regular feeding and deadheading encourage vibrant blooms.
27. Princesse de Monaco
Embrace royalty in your garden with Princesse de Monaco, showcasing pink-edged white blooms that exude grace and a light fragrance. Named after Grace Kelly, its beauty and elegance are a testament to its namesake. Plant in a sunny, well-drained location to enhance its regal blooms. Regular feeding and deadheading maintain its elegant appearance.
28. Red Intuition
Dare to be bold with Red Intuition, offering stripes of red and dark red that make a statement in any garden. Its light fragrance adds a subtle touch to its dramatic appearance, making it a favorite for cutting.
Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, promising a healthy growth and striking blooms. Regular feeding and pruning ensure its best performance.
29. Sweet Juliet
Romance your garden with Sweet Juliet, where soft apricot blooms offer a delightful tea scent. Its charm lies in its simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect addition to any garden setting.
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and it will reward you with continuous blooms. Regular feeding and pruning help maintain its health and beauty.