Roses have captured the human imagination and adorned gardens around the world for centuries. With their timeless elegance, rich fragrance, and symbolic significance, they embody both beauty and complexity. From climbing trails to formal gardens, roses come in countless varieties, each with its own story. For anyone looking to add a touch of class and color to their surroundings, here are the top ten roses to consider, starting from number 10.
#10 Iceberg
Starting our list is ‘Iceberg’, an iconic floribunda rose that’s as cool as its name suggests. This rose variety is renowned for its bountiful blooms and disease resistance, making it a steadfast choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike. Its clusters of pure white flowers bloom profusely from late spring until frost, and its light honey fragrance brings a subtle allure to the garden. ‘Iceberg’ roses are versatile, can be trained as a climber, and are also available as shrub or tree forms, lending themselves well to a variety of landscaping themes.
#9 Golden Celebration
At number nine, the ‘Golden Celebration’ is a stand-out rose that offers richly colored golden-yellow blooms with a strong, fruity fragrance. A David Austin creation, this English shrub rose is cherished for its large, cup-shaped flowers that can be seen flourishing even in partial shade. ‘Golden Celebration’ is a vigorous grower and generally exhibits good disease resistance, making it an excellent centerpiece for any rose bed.
#8 Double Delight
‘Double Delight’ captures the essence of enchantment with its two-tone petals, gracefully presenting a blend of creamy white and strawberry red. This hybrid tea rose variety is particularly notable for its powerful, spicy fragrance and its perfectly formed blossoms. Winning numerous awards since its introduction, ‘Double Delight’ thrives in a variety of climates and is a fantastic choice for cut flowers, guaranteed to make a statement in any bouquet.
#7 New Dawn
The ‘New Dawn’ rose lights up the number seven spot on our list. This climbing rose variety is a favorite for its pale pink blooms and vigorous, hardy growth habit. Introduced in the 1930s, ‘New Dawn’ is prized for its profuse flowering, sweet fragrance, and its ability to cover fences or walls with romantic elegance. It has received accolades for its disease resistance and is often seen gracing arbors or trellises, providing a soft and inviting display.
#6 Paul’s Himalayan Musk
‘Lush’ and ‘lavish’ describe ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’, a rambler rose that makes its mark as number six. This variety is one of the best for creating an elevated cascade of blooms, with clusters of light pink, almost white flowers. It is loved for its one-time display of blooms that engulf its environment in a sea of small, fragrant flowers. Adaptable to shade and perfect for growing into trees, this rose has an extensive reach and offers a breathtaking spectacle once it fully covers its support structure.
#5 Mister Lincoln
Elegant and tall, ‘Mister Lincoln’ takes the fifth spot on our list. This hybrid tea rose is legendary for its deep, velvety red flowers and strong damask scent. Often highlighted in rose shows for its form and fragrance, ‘Mister Lincoln’ is a favorite among gardeners who prefer a classic rose garden look. It works exceptionally well as a cut flower due to its long stems and the lengthy vase life of its blooms.
#4 Peace
The history and beauty of the ‘Peace’ rose earn it the number four position on our list. This hybrid tea rose was developed during World War II and symbolizes hope and renewal. Its large blooms exhibit a beautiful blend of yellow edges that transition into subtle pink as the flowers mature. The ‘Peace’ rose is cherished not just for its sentimental history but also for its vigorous growth, making it a statement piece in any garden. Adding to its appeal is its gentle, sweet fragrance that complements its unique coloration.
#3 Graham Thomas
Staying true to the captivating charm of English roses, ‘Graham Thomas’ climbs to number three. Another David Austin gem, this rose features a rich, buttery yellow bloom with a strong, fresh tea rose scent. Its robust growth and disease resistance have cemented it as a favorite among rose lovers worldwide. Whether trained up a wall, pillar, or grown as a shrub, ‘Graham Thomas’ offers reliability and an old-world romance that enchants the senses.
#2 Eden Rose
At the second spot, we find the ‘Eden Rose’, also known as ‘Pierre de Ronsard’. This climbing rose draws the eye with its large, old-fashioned flowers that exude a soft pink and cream palette. Celebrated for its vintage charm and repeat flowering habit, ‘Eden Rose’ has a place in the hearts of many gardeners. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions and its moderate fragrance make it a top choice for pillar or trellis applications.
#1 Julia Child
At the pinnacle of our top ten list sits the ‘Julia Child’ rose, named after the beloved chef who appreciated the finer things in life, including flowers. This floribunda variety serves up butter-gold blooms with impeccable form and a sweet licorice perfume that can fill an entire garden with fragrance. ‘Julia Child’ roses are buttery in more ways than one; their petals have a soft, sumptuous texture, and their prolific flowering habit ensures there is always a fresh supply of blooms throughout the growing season. Its strong disease resistance and low maintenance requirements make it the pièce de résistance of the rose world and a must-have in any top-tier floral assortment.
Roses come with different stories, each blending uniquely into our lives and landscapes. The aesthetics, fragrance, and sentiment they carry are resonant with gardeners and romantics alike. These top ten varieties offer a glimpse into the diversity and splendor of roses, each finding a place to shine within the vast canvas of horticulture. Whether you’re an admirer from a distance or a dedicated cultivator with soil-stained gloves, the universal appeal of these roses ensures they will remain cherished additions to any setting, continuing to bloom in the hearts of people and gardens everywhere.