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best old roses

Old roses have long captured the imagination of gardeners with their classic beauty, enchanting fragrance, and rich history. If you’re searching for the best old roses to add timeless elegance to your New Zealand garden, you’re in the right place! This guide introduces you to some of our favourite heritage and old-fashioned rose varieties, offering expert tips to help you select and care for these enduring garden treasures.

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Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The large and showy, rose-pink flowers are only at peak condition for a day, but are continually produced through summer. They are held above the strap-like, green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide. Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is commonly mass planted as a groundcover, planted around the base of larger trees, included in borders, added to a mixed planting, or included in cottage gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the spent flowers are removed. The foliage comprises small-sized, dark green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 2 m tall and the same wide. Rose Ann Turner is commonly trained onto a trellis in a courtyard or cottage garden, planted to lavish a fence, or included anywhere the beauty can be appreciated.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$56.63
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Rose Diamonds Forever

Rose Diamonds Forever is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, soft-yellow flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue...

From$63.38
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$20.18
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Canna Cannova Rose

Canna Cannova Rose carries large and glossy, dark green leaves which are held upright and have a gentle arch. Stems rise above the foliage from late...

From$22.88
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Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$33.08
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Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose Cecile Brunner is a climbing variety that produces masses of mid-sized, double, light pink flowers. The flowers are borne in large, loose...

From$29.63
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Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$56.63
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Cistus Pink Ice (Pink Rock Rose)

Cistus Pink Ice, commonly known as Pink Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers which have a paper like appearance. It bears masses of pink...

From$24.23
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Gaura Steffi Dark Rose

Gaura ‘Steffi Dark Rose’ is a striking perennial featuring deep rose-coloured flowers on slender stems. Blooming from spring through autumn, it adds...

From$24.23
An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.

iceberg-roses iceberg-roses

Rosa ‘Iceberg’, one of the world’s most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

From$29.63
Rose 'Desiree' pink flowers.

Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New...

From$63.38
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Helleborus English Thoroughbred Series (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a graceful winter-flowering perennial that features soft pink blooms with subtle green undertones. This variety...

From$24.23
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This...

From$29.63
An exquisite flower on 'White Romance' Rose.

Rose White Romance

“White Romance” is a very popular shrub rose that features masses pure white flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$56.63
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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.

Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

Rosa ‘Burgundy Iceberg’ is a stunning floribunda rose producing masses of deep burgundy-red, lightly fragrant blooms from spring through autumn. Its...

From$56.63
Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.

Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Brilliancy’ is a vibrant evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking crimson-pink flowers, each with a yellow centre, blooming profusely in...

From$24.23
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$33.68
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Weigela Wine And Roses (Wine & Roses Weigela)

Weigela Wine and Roses is grown for its foliage and flowers. This deciduous, compact shrub produces small and burgundy-coloured leaves which are held...

From$24.98
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$33.68
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

From$29.63
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Rose Blackberry Nip

The Blackberry Nip Rose is a captivating hybrid tea rose known for its deep purple blooms and delightful fragrance. Ideal for adding a touch of...

From$56.63
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Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)

Thuja plicata Old Gold features foliage that is rich yellow and develops bronze tones in winter. It is held in clusters which produces a layered...

From$343.89
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$29.63
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Rose Ginger Kisses

Rose Ginger Kisses is a popular shrub rose that features gorgeous, burnt orange flowers. The fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until...

From$56.63
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Rose Strawberry Blonde

“Strawberry Blonde” is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, apricot and peach-coloured flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and...

From$63.38
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Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.08
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Camellia Red Red Rose

Camellia Red Red Rose produces beautiful, double, bright red flowers. These spectacular blooms appear from winter through spring and blend nicely...

From$37.73
Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.

Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

From$28.28
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.

Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose)

Cistus lusitanicus, commonly known as the Gum Cistus, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its large, white blooms marked with deep crimson spots...

From$24.23
Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Cistus, Gaura, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, iceberg-roses, Portulaca, Rhododendron, Rosa, Rose Thuja and Weigela, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Perennials, Bush Roses, Carpet Roses, Climbing Roses Deciduous Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search best old roses

What Makes Old Roses So Special?

The best old roses are loved for their intoxicating scent, graceful form, and often remarkable resilience. Unlike many modern varieties, old roses—sometimes referred to as heritage, antique, or heirloom roses—often boast fuller petals and unique colours. Many are repeat bloomers and thrive with less fuss, making them ideal for gardeners seeking both beauty and easy care. Whether used as statement shrubs, show-stopping climbers, or romantic standards, these beauties can transform any garden.

Our Favourite Old Rose Varieties

Here are some handpicked suggestions if you’re looking for the best old roses for your landscape:

Rose Old Port & Rose Old Port Standard

The richly-coloured Rose Old Port is a true classic with velvety, deep magenta blooms and a strong, sweet scent that's hard to forget. For a striking garden centrepiece, consider the stately Rose Old Port Standard, which elevates this stunning variety on a clear stem, perfect for adding structure and height to borders and pathways.

Rose Albertine

If you adore climbing roses, Rose Albertine is a beloved rambler featuring clusters of salmon-pink, highly fragrant blooms. It's a superb choice for arches, fences, or to scramble beautifully through trees, bringing an old-world charm to any garden corner.

Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner stands out among old-fashioned roses for its vibrant pink hue and impressive disease resistance. It’s ideal for gardeners wanting all the romance of old roses without constant care needs.

Companion Plants and Garden Design

Pairing your best old roses with complementary plants enhances their beauty and supports a thriving garden ecosystem. Daylilies are time-honoured companions, and the Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily) offers soft rose-pink blooms that blend perfectly among rose shrubs, helping to suppress weeds and provide a gentle, layered look.

Tips for Growing Old Roses

When planting your best old roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Regular deep watering, mulching, and annual feeding with a balanced rose fertiliser will ensure healthy growth and bountiful blooms. Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape your bushes, encouraging a robust display the following season.

Add a Touch of History to Your Garden

Few plants match the romance and style of old roses. Introducing the best old roses to your New Zealand garden promises years of enduring beauty and fragrance. Explore our collection, from Rose Old Port Standard to Rose Ann Turner, and let these timeless classics inspire your next gardening adventure.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

While Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Azalea Dr Van Slyieken, Cuphea Mad Hatter, and Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire) quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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