In the world of roses, fragrance is like a hidden treasure that adds an extra layer of beauty and pleasure to the already stunning blooms. The scent of roses can truly transport us to another realm, captivating our senses and filling the air with their intoxicating aroma. Whether you are a seasoned rose gardener or a novice, selecting roses for their scent is always a wise choice. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most fragrant roses that will surely delight any gardening enthusiast.
First on our list is the ‘Compassion’ rose. Known for its strong and beautiful fragrance, this rose variety is a true masterpiece of nature. Its deep pink-red color and cupped, fully double blossoms make it a perfect choice for any garden. Whether planted as individual specimens or in groups, ‘Compassion’ will fill your garden with its heavenly scent.
Another rose that deserves a spot on our list is the ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ rose. Its rich, pink-colored blooms and strong, old rose fragrance make it a favorite among gardeners. With its bushy growth and healthy foliage, this rose will create a spectacular display in any garden. It is truly a rose fit for a princess, and it is no wonder that it was named after one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century.
The ‘Boscobel’ rose is another excellent choice for those seeking a highly scented variety. This David Austin rose is renowned for its delicately formed, peach-colored blooms and its strong myrrh fragrance. The ‘Boscobel’ rose is a repeat-flowering variety, which means it will provide you with a continuous display of scented flowers throughout the summer months. It is a must-have for any rose lover.
If you are looking for a white rose with an unforgettable fragrance, then ‘Munstead Wood’ is the one for you. This David Austin rose features deep, velvety crimson-colored blooms and a strong old rose scent with hints of blackberry and blueberry. It has been highly praised for its disease resistance and vigorous growth, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
The ‘Princess Alexandra of Kent’ rose is a true showstopper when it comes to fragrance. This David Austin rose has large, cup-shaped pink blooms with beautifully formed petals. Its scent is a delicate mix of fruity and myrrh, filling the air with a heavenly aroma. It is a disease-resistant rose and can be a great addition to any garden.
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One of the most iconic scented roses is the ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ rose. With its strong old rose fragrance and beautiful pink-colored blooms, it has become a symbol of the classic English garden. This rose is a repeat-flowering variety and has been awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. It is a must-have for any gardener.
For those seeking a unique fragrance, ‘Munstead Wood’ rose is a perfect choice. It features deep, dark magenta-colored blooms that are almost black in certain lights. Its fragrance is a complex blend of old rose, blackberry, and damson plum. This rose is highly disease-resistant and will thrive in any garden, providing a stunning display of color and scent.
If you are a fan of musk fragrances, then the ‘The Generous Gardener’ rose is the one for you. It combines the strong fragrance of myrrh with the classic scent of musk, creating a truly captivating aroma. This rose produces large, delicately formed blooms in soft shades of pink and apricot. Its graceful, arching growth and disease resistance make it a popular choice among gardeners.
The ‘Scepter’d Isle’ rose is another outstanding scented rose that deserves a place in your garden. With its full, rosette-shaped blooms in soft shades of pink and fragrance reminiscent of myrrh, it is a true beauty. This David Austin rose is highly disease-resistant and will provide you with a generous display of scented flowers throughout the season.
Last but not least, we have the ‘Jardin de Bagatelle’ rose. This delicate, pastel-pink rose features highly scented, cupped blooms and dark green foliage. Its fragrance is a beautiful blend of tea rose with hints of spice and fruit. The ‘Jardin de Bagatelle’ rose is a hardy and disease-resistant variety that will reward you with its stunning blooms and exquisite scent.
Disclaimer: The scent of roses may vary depending on growing conditions, such as soil type, climate, and individual plant health. The descriptions provided here are based on general observations and may not reflect the exact scent experienced in every garden.
Top roses for scent
If you’re a rose enthusiast, one of the most important qualities you look for in a rose is its fragrance. A fragrant rose can fill your garden with a delightful aroma and add an extra layer of sensory pleasure to your outdoor oasis. Here, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most fragrant roses for you to consider.
1. ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ – This English rose has a strong, old rose fragrance that is often compared to the scent of freshly-cut lemons.
2. ‘The Generous Gardener’ – A David Austin rose, this variety has a myrrh-like scent with hints of musk and old rose.
3. ‘Munstead Wood’ – Another English rose, ‘Munstead Wood’ has a powerful and intense fragrance, reminiscent of blackberry and elderflower.
4. ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’ – Known for its unique tangerine and citrus scent, this rose is sure to add a burst of vitality to your garden.
5. ‘Charlene de Monaco’ – A hybrid tea rose, ‘Charlene de Monaco’ has a strong, fruity fragrance with notes of peach and apricot.
6. ‘Boscobel’ – This David Austin rose has a strong, myrrh-like fragrance with hints of elderflower and almond.
7. ‘L’Hay’s Pink’ – An old-fashioned shrub rose, ‘L’Hay’s Pink’ is highly fragrant, with a sweet and spicy scent.
8. ‘Princess Alexandra of Kent’ – A David Austin rose, this variety has a strong, myrrh-like fragrance that is rich and fruity.
9. ‘Scepter’d Isle’ – With a classic rose scent, ‘Scepter’d Isle’ is a beautiful English rose that is beloved by many gardeners.
10. ‘Graham Thomas’ – A yellow English rose, ‘Graham Thomas’ has a strong, tea-like fragrance that is both fresh and citrusy.
These roses will not only delight your senses with their captivating fragrances, but they’re also easy to grow and maintain. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and provide them with regular water and fertilization. Enjoy the sweet scents and beautiful blooms that these roses have to offer!
Where to buy roses
There are several places where you can buy roses, including:
- Roseria: One of the best places to find high-quality roses is at the Roseraie de Monaco. They have a wide variety of roses, including many fragrant roses.
- American Rose Society: You can also check out the American Rose Society for a list of recommended rose providers. They have a directory of rose nurseries and garden centers across the country.
- Local garden centers: Many local garden centers and nurseries also sell roses. They often have a selection of popular roses that are well-suited for the local climate.
- Online nurseries: There are also several online nurseries that specialize in roses. These nurseries often have a wider selection of rose varieties and can ship the roses directly to your doorstep.
When buying roses, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of rose, the scent, and the desired color. It’s also important to ensure that the roses are grown in a healthy and sustainable manner. Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to read reviews and check ratings to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable seller.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any specific seller or guarantee the availability or quality of the roses mentioned.
Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’
Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’ is a first choice for many rose gardeners. This white hybrid tea rose is known for its double and highly scented flowers. The petals have a delicate pastel pink color, which adds to the charm of this rose. ‘St Ethelburga’ is a strong and healthy rose variety, with a scent that can fill your garden. It is part of the historical collection at the Roseraie de l’Hay in the Yves Piaget Garden, where it is highly recommended by gardeners and photographers alike.
The fragrance of Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’ is described as sweet and floral, with hints of spice. It has a strong scent that can be enjoyed from a distance, making it a great choice for planting near seating areas or walkways. This rose is a winner of the fragrance prize at the Royal National Rose Society, and it is no wonder why. The scent is so captivating that it can easily become the focal point of your garden.
Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’ is a vigorous grower, producing abundant blooms throughout the growing season. This rose is a great addition to any garden, whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener. Its disease resistance and easy maintenance make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
If you are a fan of fragrant roses, Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’ should definitely be on your list. Its beautiful white blooms, generous scent, and overall vitality make it a must-have for any rose lover. Don’t just take our word for it – try growing this rose in your own garden and experience the beauty and fragrance of Rosa ‘St Ethelburga’ for yourself.
