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

Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring and early summer. The blooms contrast beautifully with the aromatic grey-green foliage, creating a fresh, clean display.

Buy Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock

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: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas

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

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.

old fashioned rose bush

Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Rose Cecil Brunner

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose an Old Fashioned Rose Bush?

Planting and Caring for Old Fashioned Roses

Popular Old Fashioned Rose Varieties

Create Your Own Traditional Rose Garden

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

old fashioned rose bush

Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Rose Cecil Brunner

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose an Old Fashioned Rose Bush?

Planting and Caring for Old Fashioned Roses

Popular Old Fashioned Rose Varieties

Create Your Own Traditional Rose Garden

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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