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old fashioned rose bush

There’s something truly enchanting about an old fashioned rose bush in the garden. Their nostalgic charm, intoxicating fragrance, and generous blooms evoke memories of classic cottage gardens and sun-dappled summer afternoons. At our New Zealand nursery, we’re proud to offer a selection of traditional rose varieties and helpful advice to help you bring these beloved plants into your backyard. Whether you’re a lifelong rose enthusiast or new to gardening, discovering the magic of an old fashioned rose bush can transform any outdoor space into a haven of beauty and scent.

rose-violet-serenity-

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
rose-diamonds-forever-

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 until autumn. The foliage comprises small-sized, dark green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers. This deciduous plant typically grows to 1 m tall and the same wide. Rose Diamonds Forever is commonly included in a mixed or border planting, included in a courtyard or cottage garden, maintained in a container, or included anywhere the beauty and fragrance can be appreciated.

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, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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$33.81
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$28.91
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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$34.43
rose-flower-carpet-pink-
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose Flower Carpet Pink features large trusses of semi-double, pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring and continues until autumn provided the spent...

From$34.43
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$24.77
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Rose Anniversary

Rose Anniversary is an award winning, Floribunda shrub rose that features masses of showy, soft-pink flowers. The amazing blooms emerge in spring and...

From$38.57
weigela-wine-and-roses-2
Weigela 'Wine And Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
Rose 'Felicite Perpetue' double, white flowers on a scrambing shrub.
Rose 'Felicite Perpetue

Rose 'Felicite Perpetue' is a beautiful rambling rose prized for its clusters of soft blush white flowers and graceful arching growth. This classic...

From$26.91
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$38.57
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$24.77
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3
Camellia 'Red Red Rose'

Camellia 'Red Red Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms that bring bold colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$32.95
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$38.57
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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$44.09
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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$30.29
rose-ginger-kisses--2
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$44.09
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$22.95
teucrium-fruticans-
Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander)

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silvery foliage and soft blue flowers that appear through...

From$18.95
climbing-rose-albertine-
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$30.29
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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$29.95
thuja-old-gold-
Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year...

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$38.57
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$30.29
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

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$26.91
Ligularia reniformis with lush leaves growing in a container.
Ligularia reniformis

Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a striking foliage plant ideal for shaded New Zealand gardens. It features large...

From$17.87
Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.
Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush)

Clerodendrum ugandense, commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is an open, sprawling evergreen shrub favoured for its lovely masses of blue...

From$37.19
iris-rose-queen-
Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
super-shield-rose-spray-1
Super Shield Rose Spray – 1 Litre

This multipurpose spray is designed to control most common pests and diseases that affect roses. That includes blackspot, aphids, rust, powdery...

From$156.96
streptosolen-jamesonii-
Streptosolen jamesonii (Marmalade Bush)

Commonly known as the Marmalade Bush, this is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful flowers. It produces bell-shaped, yellow-orange flowers at...

From$27.53
rose-fertiliser-
Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Rhododendron, and Rose, or related Categories - Bush Roses, Carpet Roses, and Climbing Roses.

Search old fashioned rose bush

Why Choose an Old Fashioned Rose Bush?

Old fashioned roses, sometimes called heritage or antique roses, are celebrated for their lush blossoms, delightful perfume, and robust nature. Unlike modern hybrids, the old fashioned rose bush typically blooms in generous flushes, filling the garden with fragrance and soft, romantic colours. Their beautiful, full-petalled flowers and resilient, easy-care habits make them a top choice for New Zealand gardeners who value both appearance and garden performance.

Planting and Caring for Old Fashioned Roses

When you add an old fashioned rose bush to your landscape, you’re not just planting a flower—you’re reviving a piece of horticultural history. These roses thrive in sunny sites with rich, well-drained soil. Give them a sheltered spot with good air circulation and water deeply during dry spells to encourage the best display. Pruning in winter keeps your rose bush healthy and blooming vigorously while feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in spring ensures abundant flowers.

If you’re looking to expand your flower garden’s colour palette or explore companion planting ideas, browse our range of compatible perennials. For instance, the Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily) offers a lovely contrast in both colour and texture, making a stunning partner for your classic roses. Or, add structure and foliage interest with the Weigela Wine And Roses (Wine & Roses Weigela), whose dark leaves and pink blossoms complement traditional roses beautifully.

Popular Old Fashioned Rose Varieties

Some of the most sought-after garden roses remain those with an old world pedigree. The compact and sweetly-scented Rose Cecil Brunner is a timeless favourite, renowned for its soft pink, peony-shaped blooms. For a touch of modern romance with a classic twist, consider the hardy Rose Diamonds Forever or the rich mauve Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity. Each evoking the spirit of old fashioned gardens but with enhanced disease resistance and repeat flowering.

Create Your Own Traditional Rose Garden

Designing a garden around an old fashioned rose bush brings lasting structure, fragrance, and charm. Underplant with perennials and edges of lavender or catmint to invite pollinators, prolong the season’s interest, and create those timeless layers seen in classical landscapes. With our curated range of roses and companion plants, you can design a garden that celebrates the glory and romance of the past—adapting easily to modern lifestyles.

Let us help you select the perfect old fashioned rose bush for your Waikato, Auckland, or nationwide garden. When you grow these classic beauties, you’re not only nurturing a living tradition, but setting the scene for generations of memories to come.


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.

–The Plant Company

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