Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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.

Rose 'Cecil Brunner'

Rose 'Cecil Brunner' is a treasured old fashioned climbing rose, admired for its sprays of small, perfectly shaped soft pink flowers and delicate fragrance. The charming blooms create a romantic display through the warmer months, bringing timeless character to NZ gardens.

Buy Rose 'Cecil Brunner'

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Rose Plants

Height: 4.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year round foliage.

Buy Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

From $22.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 45 cm

Spread: 45 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical

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.

best old roses

Rose 'Cecil Brunner'

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

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What Makes Old Roses So Special?