Choosing Roses by Fragrance

When shopping for a rose, we’re often drawn in by their striking beauty. But appearance isn’t the only thing to consider. Choosing a rose for its fragrance rather than visual appeal alone is a great way to add depth to your garden and tingle another one of the 5 senses. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common types of rose fragrances and a few varieties of rose bushes and bouquets from April & Ashley that will make you fall in love at first smell.

What Gives Roses their Fragrance?

The purpose of a rose scent isn’t just to attract us humans. Fragrances are made up of a complex combination of chemicals – many of which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are produced in the petals of a rose – where they vaporize and draw in pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 

Centuries ago, roses were mostly bred for their appearance – resulting in reduced aroma. But over the years, breeders discovered the molecule responsible for rose scents – geraniol. Today, this discovery allows for the production of roses with a variety of fragrances. 

Types of Rose Fragrances

Part of the beauty of fragrance is that it’s perceived differently from one person to another. You might smell a rose and get hints of sweetness while someone else notices a spicier aroma. Whichever scent your nose prefers, there’s surely one in the 5 common rose fragrance categories that will make your garden smell even more luscious.

Common Rose Fragrance Categories

Old Rose

This distinct fragrance embodies the quintessential rose with its warm and heady scent profile. Both sweet and spicy notes contribute to its richness and complexity. 

April & Ashley’s recommendation

Rose de Rennes - Suitable for beginner rose gardeners in zones 6-9.

Tea

With its smoky and earthy undertones, the tea fragrance carries an aroma similar to a newly-opened bag of black tea – creating a calm and comforting ambiance in your garden.

April & Ashley’s recommendation

Barbra’s Baby - Suitable for beginner rose gardeners in zones 5-11.Fruity

One of the most versatile fragrance types with its citrus, berry, and floral notes. These delicious scents add a vibrant and playful feel to your garden. 

April & Ashley’s recommendation

Wildberry - Suitable for beginner rose gardeners in zones 5-11.

Myrrh

This scent profile is complex with a blend of sweetness and spice accompanied by a subtle smokiness – evoking a sense of intrigue and sophistication. 

April & Ashley’s recommendation

Julie Andrews - Suitable for beginner rose gardeners in zones 6-9.

Musk

Produced in the stamens of the rose, the musk fragrance is woody and warm with both sweet and spicy undertones. It’s often associated with intimacy and sensuality. 

April & Ashley’s recommendation

Camille Pissarro - Suitable for beginner rose gardeners in zones 6-9
Not certain which zone you reside in? Check out our Guide to Rose Hardiness Zones & What They Mean to make sure the rose you choose will thrive in your location.

Tips for Choosing & Planting Fragrant Roses

• 1. Stop and smell the roses: Visit your local nursery or gardens before purchasing to get an idea of which scents are most appealing to you. Blend varieties to create a layered and complex scent profile in your garden. 

• 2. Evaluate fragrance intensity: Do you want to create an aromatic explosion in your garden or a more subtly-scented atmosphere? Check the description that indicates whether a rose has a light, moderate, or strong fragrance.

• 3. Consider your climate: Roses tend to be more fragrant in moderately warm climates. A bit of humidity slows the evaporation of the VOCs and produces a stronger scent. Therefore, you could notice a richer aroma from a rose that’s typically less fragrant.

• 4. Choose the right location: Plant your roses where the scent can be enjoyed conveniently by you and your visitors – such as windows, patios, and walkways. For more ideas on rose garden layout & design, read our blog on How to Plan Your Dream Spring Rose Garden.

Next time you’re looking for a new rose to plant in your garden, consider one that’s bred for its fragrance instead of just looks. From intensely aromatic varieties to ones bursting with scent, you can design a garden that will inspire a range of emotions. Visit April & Ashley to browse our collection of boldly-scented roses that will awaken the senses of all who set foot in your garden.