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best rose varieties

Roses are beloved across New Zealand gardens for their breathtaking blooms, rich fragrances, and outstanding versatility in landscaping. Choosing the best rose varieties for your own garden can be a delightful adventure, whether you seek classic beauty, robust disease resistance, or striking colour combinations. In this guide, we highlight some of the best rose varieties for easy care and stunning garden displays, sharing tips on selecting the right types to suit your site, climate, and personal taste.

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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 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 late spring through into summer. The foliage comprises glossy, dark green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers. Unlike other roses, this variety only has very short thorns so is a lot more “user friendly”. This deciduous plant typically grows compactly to 70 cm tall and the same wide and is generally pruned each winter with about 75% of the stem removed. That said, this variety can also be left unpruned and will not get out of control like traditional rose varieties. It performs best when planted in full sun on a well-drained, sheltered site, and is tolerant of frost and cool climates. It also has exceptional disease resistance. “Violet Serenity” is commonly included in a mixed or border planting, included in a courtyard or cottage garden, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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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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
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
Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow plant with beautiful yellow flowers.

Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)

Portulaca Pazazz Yellow, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Showy, yellow flowers are produced...

From$26.93
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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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
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 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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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...

From$33.68
rose-strawberry-blonde-

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 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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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
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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
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
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
cistus-pink-ice-

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
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
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1

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
canna-cannova-rose-

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
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3

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
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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$33.68
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Rose Spiced Coffee

“Spiced Coffee” is a popular Hybrid Tea shrub rose that features very showy flowers that are pale beige with lavender-pink towards the edges. The...

From$107.05
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
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 and Rose, or related Categories - Perennials, Bush Roses, Carpet Roses Climbing Roses and Evergreen Shrubs.

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What Makes the Best Rose Varieties?

The best rose varieties stand out for their resilience, generous flowering, and health. Modern breeders have created roses with exceptional repeat-flowering qualities, vigorous growth, and improved resistance to common diseases. When choosing roses for your garden, consider factors like bloom shape, plant size, fragrance, and colour palette. Understanding your garden’s sunlight, soil conditions, and space will help you make the best selection for both performance and aesthetics.

Top Picks: Best Rose Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

1. Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

This exceptional floribunda stands out for its dreamy violet-lavender blooms. Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity brings a calming hue to the garden and produces clusters of flowers continuously through the season. Its semi-double blooms attract beneficial pollinators and add a fresh, contemporary look to borders and beds.

2. Rose Simplicity Cream Dream

For gardeners seeking soft elegance, Rose Simplicity Cream Dream offers creamy, dreamy blooms that light up the garden. This variety flourishes in most New Zealand regions, combining disease tolerance with prolific flowering, making it a reliable choice for both novice and seasoned growers.

3. Rose Blackberry Nip

If you want bold colour and powerful perfume, Rose Blackberry Nip is hard to surpass. Its deep purple, almost blackberry-toned petals create a dramatic statement in any garden setting. Recognised for both outstanding performance and scent, Blackberry Nip is a favourite for cutting gardens and show beds.

Complementing Roses in Your Garden

Pairing the best rose varieties with compatible perennials boosts visual impact and supports healthy plant growth. Plants like Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily) bring easy-care, strappy foliage and lush flowers, beautifully complementing bush roses. For trailing accents, consider sun-loving companions such as Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca), which delivers vivid groundcover and contrasts handsomely with traditional rose tones.

Tips for Growing the Best Rose Varieties

Choosing high-quality plants is the first step. Plant roses in full sun with shelter from harsh winds, and ensure well-drained soil enriched with organic compost. Mulch each season to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, prune annually to encourage new growth, and feed with a balanced rose fertiliser. With thoughtful care and the right varieties, your garden will reward you with continuous blooms and vibrant colour.

Explore our range of the best rose varieties and discover how these timeless flowers can transform your New Zealand garden this season.


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.

Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose), Olive Manzanillo, and Bougainvillea 'Panda' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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