Growing Roses: Outstanding Fragrance

When you think of roses, you probably think about fragrance. It's almost a natural reflex to bend near a

bloom and inhale the perfume. Some roses have more scent than others – and even earn awards for their exquisite aromas. The James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Medal is awarded to very fragrant roses by the American Rose Society. Some rose varieties also stand out from the rest because they perform better in garden situations – these are better known as “All-America Rose Selections (AARS)” winners. These outstanding roses earned the award after two years of rigorous testing in environments that simulate a home garden. AARS was discontinued after 2013.

If you're someone who wants roses that cast a floral perfume throughout the garden, look no further. These roses are fragrant beauties, renowned for their rich scents as well as their garden performance. Before you add another rose to your yard, consider one of these perfumed bloomers.

Common USDA zone recommendations are included for the varieties below. In the West, most can also be grown into USDA Zone 11. In the coldest zones, varieties may need winter protection.

Double Delight

Cherry and cream paint the petals of this pretty Hybrid Tea rose, which has creamy white petals edged with rich red. Coloring varies from blossom to blossom; no two flowers are alike. Blooms boast a fragrance described as fruity or spicy. Disease resistance is good, except in cool, damp regions where Powdery Mildew may attack.

Size: 3-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 1977
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1986

FIrefighter

Large, dusty, velvety red blooms have perfect Hybrid Tea form and intense, classic rose fragrance. Long-stemmed flowers have 40-45 petals and are stunning in bouquets. Best color in cooler weather. Robust, disease resistant plant. Part of proceeds from sales go to Remember Me garden fund to honor victims of 9/11.

Size: 5-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 2017

Fragrant Cloud

Some rose growers consider this beauty to be the most fragrant Hybrid Tea rose currently available. Large, 5-7-inch-wide flowers blush a deep coral with violet undertones. Grow this rose for snipping blooms to grace bouquets with rich perfume.

Size: 3-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1970

Honey Perfume

Apricot-yellow blooms fade to nearly white and exude a rich, spicy perfume. Use this Floribunda rose to create an informal hedge, or plant it in groups for a splash of season-long color. Dark-green leaves allow blossoms to shine. Leaves are resistant to Powdery Mildew and Rust.

Size: 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 2004
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1970

Julia Child

Butter-gold blooms release an intense, sweet licorice fragrance on this pretty bloomer, selected by the famous chef herself. This is a free-flowering Floribunda Shrub Rose, tossing open blossoms featuring many petals. Disease resistance is excellent.

Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10, Zone 4 with winter protection
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 2006

Melody Parfumée

Strong, perfuny fragrance with a spicy tinge comes from high-pointed, plum-colored buds that fade to lavender as they open. Flowers born in clusters. Strong, healthy growth from the robust Grandiflora rose. 30 petals.

Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-10
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 2015

Memorial Day

Celebrate the classic rose form with these richly-scented blooms. More than 50 petals form each blossom, opening up to 5 inches across. Petals blush clear pink with a lavender wash. The fragrance is the quintessential damask scent everyone expects from a rose. One bloom can scent an entire room.

Size: 3-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 2004
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1970

Mister Lincoln

For the person who craves red roses, Mister Lincoln won't disappoint. Hailed as the most fragrant red rose, this Hybrid Tea opens velvety, deep red blossoms. Long, sturdy flower stems are perfect for cutting and plunking into vases. Dark forest green leaves contrast artfully with blossoms, creating a striking scene in the garden.

Size: 3-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 1965
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1970

Secret

Rich cream, ruffled petals blush pink at the edges, opening to form blooms 4-7 inches across. Flowers release a luscious, strong perfume that blends fruit and spice, ideal for scenting rooms throughout the house or filling a patio with fragrance. This Hybrid Tea rose adds an elegant form to the garden. Glossy green leaves boast good disease resistance.

Size: 2-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10
All-America Rose Selections Winner: 1994
James Gamble Fragrance Award Winner: 1970

Sunsprite

A strong licorice scent wafts from deep yellow semi-double to single blooms. The color holds strong as flowers age. Dark-green, shiny leaves provide an eye-pleasing backdrop to the 3-4-inch-wide blossoms. This Floribunda rose offers good disease resistance.