Roses are the quintessential garden flower, renowned for their beauty, fragrance, and versatility. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, there’s a rose variety that will thrive in your garden. In this guide, we’ll explore nine exceptional types of roses, each offering unique characteristics that make them perfect for various garden settings.
Oklahoma Rose
The Oklahoma Rose is a hybrid tea rose developed in the 1960s by a graduate from Oklahoma State University. It holds the honor of being the official state flower of Oklahoma, a testament to its enduring beauty and significance. This rose is known for its deep, velvety red petals and strong, sweet fragrance. The blooms are large, typically around 4 to 6 inches in diameter, making it a striking addition to any garden. Oklahoma Roses prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season. Pruning should be done in early spring to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Rosa Blanda
Rosa Blanda, also known as the Smooth Wild Rose, is native to North America. This hardy rose variety is well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. It produces numerous pink flowers throughout the summer, each exuding a light, pleasant fragrance. The blossoms are followed by red fruits (hips) that are a favorite among birds. Rosa Blanda is not only beautiful but also beneficial for wildlife. The hips provide food for birds, while the dense foliage offers shelter for small animals.
Lark Ascending Rose
The Lark Ascending Rose is characterized by its apricot-colored blooms that open upwards, resembling a lark in flight. The flowers are semi-double, adding a delicate elegance to the garden. This rose grows on shrubs that reach up to four to five feet in height. It has a bushy growth habit, making it suitable for borders and as a standalone specimen. While lightly scented, the flowers’ apricot hue adds a warm, inviting touch to any garden space, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for a unique and subtle addition.
New Dawn Rose
The New Dawn Rose has been voted the most popular rose in the world by the World Convention of Rose Societies. Its widespread acclaim is well-deserved, thanks to its robust performance and stunning blooms. This rose is a vigorous climber, capable of reaching heights up to 15 feet. It’s perfect for covering arbors, trellises, and walls, providing a beautiful cascade of flowers. New Dawn Roses thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Charles Darwin Rose
Named after the famous naturalist, the Charles Darwin Rose is an English rose known for its large, yellow blooms. The flowers are full and rosette-shaped, giving them a classic and elegant appearance. This rose grows as a bushy shrub, reaching up to four feet in height. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden locations. Charles Darwin Roses thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization will help maintain their health and vigor. Pruning should be done to shape the shrub and remove any dead or diseased wood.
Moondance Rose
The Moondance Rose is admired for its creamy white blooms and glossy green leaves. The flowers are borne in clusters, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage. This modern hybrid rose grows on trouble-free shrubs that reach up to four feet in height. Its upright growth habit makes it suitable for borders and container planting. Moondance Roses require minimal maintenance. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading will promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Ispahan Rose
The Ispahan Rose, a type of damask rose, has been cherished for centuries for its exquisite fragrance and beauty. It is named after the city of Isfahan in Iran, where it has been cultivated for its essential oils. This rose produces ruffly pink blooms that are highly fragrant. The flowers primarily appear in summer, with a slight repeat in the fall. Ispahan Roses are known for their prolific blooming during the summer months. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a delightful addition to any garden.
Blush Noisette Rose
Blush Noisette Roses are mildly fragrant and bloom on thornless shrubs, making them ideal for households with children or those prone to accidents. These roses produce delicate pink flowers in clusters. The blooms are small but numerous, providing a continuous display of color throughout the growing season. Blush Noisette Roses thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning to maintain their shape.
Altissimo Rose
The Altissimo Rose is known for its deep red flowers that make a bold statement in any garden. The blooms are single-petaled, giving them a simple yet striking appearance. This vigorous climbing rose can quickly scale a 12-foot wall or cover a large arbor. Its robust growth habit makes it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to your garden. Altissimo Roses prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization will support their vigorous growth. Pruning should be done to control size and shape, as well as to remove any dead or diseased wood.
