Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

best scented roses

There’s something truly magical about stepping into a garden filled with the intoxicating fragrance of roses. If you’re searching for the best scented roses to transform your outdoor space into a perfumed paradise, you’re in the right place. Scented roses not only delight the senses, but they also make beautiful cut flowers and lend an atmosphere of romance and nostalgia to every garden. Here in New Zealand, choosing the ideal variety means considering both fragrance and performance, and our nursery specialises in roses that excel in both.

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 Zealand gardens. This lovely cultivar produces full classic roses on strong stems ideal for cutting and display. With healthy growth glossy foliage and long seasonal performance, Rose 'Desiree' brings romance and timeless floral charm to borders cottage gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Buy Rose 'Desiree'

From $44.09

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Rose Plants

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Paths & Steps

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

Lavender 'Sensation Rose'

Lavender 'Sensation Rose' is a vibrant lavender variety adored for its rich rose coloured blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from early spring into summer, it brings bold colour, uplifting fragrance, and soft texture to New Zealand gardens. Its compact, rounded habit suits pathways, borders, pots, and cottage themed plantings. This hardy and easy care lavender is ideal for gardeners seeking long lasting colour and a beautifully scented feature plant.

Buy Lavender 'Sensation Rose'

From $24.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

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

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

What Makes a Rose Truly Scented?

Not all roses are created equal when it comes to fragrance. The best scented roses are bred for their powerful, complex aromas that waft through the air, especially on warm days. Old-fashioned varieties often produce the richest perfumes, but modern favourites blend heady scents with vigorous disease resistance and repeat flowering. When choosing scented roses, look for descriptions like spicy, citrus, old rose, or fruity to match your personal preferences.

Our Top Picks for Best Scented Roses

Rose Scent to Remember

One of the finest choices for a fragrant rose is the Rose Scent to Remember. Renowned for its deep, spicy perfume, this classic rose variety features large, richly coloured blooms that will fill your garden with scent. It’s a must-have for enthusiasts who want both visual impact and unforgettable fragrance.

For those seeking a formal look, the Rose Scent to Remember Standard offers the same beauty and fragrance, trained as an elegant standard rose for pathways and borders.

Rose Heaven Scent Standard

If you love roses with an old-world charm, consider the Rose Heaven Scent Standard. Its stunning blooms blend classic form with a sweet perfume that carries on the breeze, making it a perfect choice for patios, entrances, or mixed flower beds.

Rose 'Desiree'

For gardeners after both beauty and fragrance, Rose 'Desiree' stands out. This variety is known for its lush, romantic petals and strong, pleasing scent. It's perfect for cutting and bringing indoors, so you can enjoy its fragrance year-round.

Companion Plants for Scented Roses

Pairing your best scented roses with aromatic companion plants enhances the effect. Lavenders are a popular choice, offering both texture and perfume. Lavender 'Sensation Rose' complements roses beautifully with its soft pink flowers and soothing scent, creating a harmonious, fragrant garden display.

Growing Tips for Scented Roses

Plant your roses in a sunny spot with well-draining soil for the most abundant blooms and strongest fragrance. Water deeply and mulch to retain moisture, and feed regularly with a balanced rose fertiliser. Regular deadheading will encourage repeat flowering and help maintain the sweet-smelling atmosphere you’re after.

Whether you’re designing a dedicated rose garden or mixing them into existing beds, choosing the best scented roses ensures your outdoor space is as inviting to the nose as it is to the eyes. Explore our selection, and enjoy a garden that’s truly unforgettable.

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 scented roses

Rose 'Desiree'

Lavender 'Sensation Rose'

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What Makes a Rose Truly Scented?