Roses are undeniably the most famous and beloved flowers worldwide. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or a gardener, the allure of roses is hard to resist. Below are some of the most celebrated rose varieties throughout history.
The rose’s popularity has endured for over 30 million years, with more than 2,000 years of cultivation. These flowers have captured hearts and minds for centuries, becoming a symbol of beauty and grace. It’s no surprise that they continue to be one of the most favored flowers globally.
The appeal of roses transcends mere appearance, making them a recurring symbol in literature and art. Their elegance has been compared to the most exquisite muses. When it comes to floristry, no flower rivals the rose in fame or admiration.
In the last 300 years, rose breeding has advanced significantly, resulting in stunning cultivars. I’ve gathered a list of 15 timeless rose varieties that remain incredibly popular to this day. Enjoy this collection of breathtaking blooms!
‘Peace’
First known as ‘Madame A. Meilland,’ this hybrid tea rose was bred by Frances Meilland of France in 1935. Renowned for its large, radiant blooms, ‘Peace’ has earned a place as one of the most popular roses in history. Its petals boast a creamy, golden hue with delicate pink edges, and it has a delightful fragrance.
This vigorous shrub has a graceful shape. During WWII, Madame A. Meilland sent bud wood to other countries to save it from being destroyed during the Nazi invasion.
The rose went on to win an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society and was inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame in 1976. It was later named the Rose of the 20th Century, adding to its impressive accolades.
‘Madame Hardy’
I’m particularly drawn to blush-colored flowers, and ‘Madame Hardy’ is a beautiful example. Its soft, blush tones give it a unique character, sitting between white and pink. The blooms are medium to large with a charming, cupped form.
This rose, a hybrid Damask, was originally named ‘Felicite Hardy’ by Julien Alexandre Hardy in 1831, who dedicated it to his wife. With its delicate beauty, it’s easy to see how much Hardy admired her.
‘Madame Hardy’ has earned numerous accolades, including a place in the Old Rose Hall of Fame and the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. If roses were people, this one would be the belle of the ball.
‘Bonica® 82’
This cheerful bubblegum pink rose was the first shrub rose to be inducted into the World Federation of Rose Societies Hall of Fame. Its hardiness is a big plus, and it blooms profusely from spring to fall.
‘Bonica 82’ is both stunning and fragrant, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. Its resilience, combined with its beauty, earned it the title of World’s Favorite Rose in 1977.
‘Iceberg’
Despite its chilly name, there’s nothing cold about ‘Iceberg.’ Its creamy white blooms radiate warmth, with large, fragrant flowers adorning a dense, attractive shrub. When fully open, the golden stamens at the center contrast beautifully with the creamy petals.
Bred by Reimer Kordes in Germany in 1958, this Floribunda has remained popular for decades thanks to its beauty and adaptability. It’s well-known for its ability to thrive in both hot and cold climates and has been honored with a place in the Hall of Fame.
‘Mister Lincoln’
For fans of classic red roses, ‘Mister Lincoln’ is a standout. This variety produces stunning red blooms with long stems, making it perfect for bouquets. The flowers are large, beautifully shaped, and emit a strong, captivating fragrance.
This hybrid tea rose won the 1965 All-America Rose Selections and is prized for its long blooming season. It’s a fantastic addition to any cutting garden and performs exceptionally well in various climates. Plus, ‘Mister Lincoln’ grows on its own roots, meaning it doesn’t need to be grafted.
‘Therese Bugnet’
This versatile cultivar can grow in Zones 3 to 10, offering incredible adaptability. It’s nearly thornless and highly fragrant, with large, ruffled orchid pink blooms that appear in clusters throughout the growing season.
Introduced in 1950, ‘Therese Bugnet’ has become a timeless favorite. Its wild, natural appearance, combined with its ability to thrive in different conditions, has made it one of the most beloved pink roses
‘Double Red Knock Out’
Knock Out roses are widely loved for their low-maintenance nature. With an extended blooming season, they quickly became popular after their introduction in 2000. This variety is perfect for gardeners who want abundant cherry-red blooms without much effort.
‘Double Red Knock Out’ grows quickly and adapts to various climates, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
Parfuma ‘Bliss’
This floribunda rose stands out for its beautiful, large blooms in soft peaches and cream hues. With a delightful fragrance and excellent resistance to diseases, it’s a perfect addition to any garden.
‘Bliss’ blooms in repeated flushes throughout the season, producing cupped flowers that are excellent for cut flower arrangements. Despite its small size, it produces an abundance of blooms.
‘Don Juan’
Living up to its romantic name, ‘Don Juan’ captivates with its deep red clusters of blooms on charming, climbing vines. This variety thrives in warm climates, especially in the southern U.S., and is known for its resilience.
Bred by Michele Malandrone, ‘Don Juan’ is unique among climbing roses for its intense fragrance. A repeat bloomer that doesn’t require deadheading, it’s perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, climbing beauty.
‘New Dawn’
Introduced in 1930 by Somerset Rose Nursery, ‘New Dawn’ is a versatile rose that can be grown as both a shrub and a climber. It was named the most popular rose worldwide at the 11th World Convention of Rose Societies.
Renowned for its subtle, cool pink flowers and lovely fragrance, ‘New Dawn’ is a Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most popular climbing roses ever.
‘Sally Holmes’
‘Sally Holmes’ is a standout variety, known for its large, fluttery white flowers with a hint of pale pink. This climbing rose produces blooms in clusters, with each flower measuring up to five inches across.
Named after the wife of breeder Robert A. Holmes, ‘Sally Holmes’ earned second place at the American Rose Society and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
‘Fragrant Cloud’
As its name suggests, ‘Fragrant Cloud’ is a strongly scented rose. From spring to fall, it produces large, coral-colored blooms that contrast beautifully with its glossy green leaves. The fragrance has a blend of damask, spice, and citrus.
This award-winning rose has received numerous accolades, including the Portland Gold Medal in 1966 and the James Gamble Fragrance Award in 1970. It was also inducted into the World Rose Hall of Fame in 1981.
‘Eden® Rose 85’
In 2006, ‘Eden® Climber’ earned the title of World’s Favorite Rose and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Its popularity is due to its versatility and low-maintenance nature. Blooming from spring through fall, it remains one of the most loved climbing roses.
The blooms are impressively large, measuring about four inches across with over 60 petals. These white flowers gradually turn pink toward the outer edges, creating an old-fashioned, romantic look.
‘Chrysler Imperial’
‘Chrysler Imperial’ is a highly decorated rose, winning awards such as the All-America Rose Selection in 1953, the John Cook Medal in 1964, and the James Alexander Gamble Rose Fragrance Award in 1965.
Its bold red blooms with blue undertones are reminiscent of the perfect red lipstick. With classic hybrid tea form and high-centered blooms, this rose repeats its stunning flushes from spring to fall.
‘Graham Thomas’
‘Graham Thomas’ is a notable rose bred by Austin Davis, easily recognized by its bright yellow, fully double blooms that grow in clusters. With a sweet, fruity fragrance, this cultivar is a favorite among rose enthusiasts.
In 2009, 41 rose societies voted it the World’s Favorite Rose. It also earned the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993 and received the James Mason Award in 2000.
