Discover the most aromatic roses for 2025, from heirloom classics to new hybrids. Learn how to grow, where to buy, and tips for maximizing scent in your garden.
Hi, I’m Anna Scott, founder of USA Garden Hub. With over a decade of hands-on gardening experience, I’ve curated this list of the 15 most fragrant roses for 2025—combining timeless classics, award-winning hybrids, and new releases that promise to transform your garden into a perfumed oasis. Let’s dig in!
Why Fragrance Matters in 2025’s Roses
Recent breeding breakthroughs prioritize long-lasting scents, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. Take it from me: Last summer, I tested a new drought-tolerant hybrid called Desert Moonlight (more below!) that filled my Arizona garden with a vanilla-citrus aroma even in 100°F heat.
The 15 Best Fragrant Roses for 2025
1. Double Delight
- Scent: Spicy-sweet blend of honey and cloves.
- Why I Grow It: A timeless favorite, its cream-and-red blooms thrive in Zones 5–9. Plant near pathways to savor the scent daily.
2. Munstead Wood
- Scent: Rich blackberry and damson plum.
- Why I Grow It: Named after Gertrude Jekyll’s garden, this David Austin rose handles shade better than most fragrant varieties.
3. Fragrant Cloud
- Scent: Bold citrus with a touch of damask rose.
- Why I Grow It: Coral-pink blooms last up to 10 days in vases. A staple in my wedding bouquet designs!
(Looking for small-space options? My guide to container-friendly roses features more compact varieties.)
4. Gertrude Jekyll
- Scent: Classic “old rose” with hints of lemon.
- Why I Grow It: Fast-growing and thorn-free—perfect for gardens with kids or pets.
5. Mister Lincoln
- Scent: Intense damask and spice.
- Why I Grow It: Velvety crimson petals on 6-foot stems. Ideal for borders or cutting gardens.
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6. Heritage
- Scent: Myrrh and honey.
- Why I Grow It: Nearly thornless and thrives in cooler climates.
7. Madame Isaac Pereire
- Scent: Rich, spicy, and intoxicating—like a vintage perfume.
- Why I Grow It: This 19th-century climber thrives on trellises. Last summer, I trained it over my garden arch, and its fuchsia blooms stopped neighbors mid-stride to ask, “What’s that heavenly smell?”
- Pro Tip: Morning sun intensifies its fragrance. Perfect for Zones 5–10.
8. Jude the Obscure
- Scent: Tropical fruit medley—think guava, lemon, and pear.
- Why I Grow It: Massive apricot-yellow blooms (up to 6” wide!) make it a showstopper. I use it as a focal point in my cottage garden.
- Pro Tip: Pair with lavender for a pollinator paradise. Thrives in Zones 5–9.
9. Papa Meilland
- Scent: Sweet vanilla and classic rose—nostalgic and bold.
- Why I Grow It: Deep crimson petals hold up in heat. I’ve gifted cuttings to friends in Texas who struggle with wilting roses.
- Pro Tip: Prune lightly in spring for continuous blooms. Best for Zones 7–10.
10. Honey Perfume
- Scent: Warm cinnamon and cloves—like a spiced latte.
- Why I Grow It: Compact (3–4 ft) and ideal for patios. I grow it in terracotta pots near my backdoor for daily whiffs of autumn spice.
- Pro Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Zones 6–9.
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11. Comte de Chambord
- Scent: Strong damask rose with a citrus twist.
- Why I Grow It: Repeat blooms from June to frost. I pair it with white jasmine for a moonlight garden that glows and smells divine.
- Pro Tip: Tolerates partial shade. Zones 4–9.
12. Chrysler Imperial
Chrysler Imperial (Hybrid Tea)
- Scent: Bold damask and citrus—a timeless classic.
- Why I Grow It: Velvety red petals on long stems. My go-to for Valentine’s bouquets—clients say it’s “the rose that smells like love.”
- Pro Tip: Feed with slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Zones 7–10.
13. Sharifa Asma
- Scent: Delicate myrrh and apricot—soft and ethereal.
- Why I Grow It: Pale pink blooms with a cupped shape. I planted it near my meditation bench—its subtle scent is calming.
- Pro Tip: Water at the base to avoid mildew. Zones 5–9.
14. Étoile de Hollande
- Scent: Spicy, intense, and unforgettable.
- Why I Grow It: Crimson climber that grows 12–15 ft. I trained it on a pergola, and now it’s a hummingbird hotspot.
- Pro Tip: Plant near a wall for heat retention. Zones 7–10.
15. Scepter’d Isle
Scepter’d Isle (English Shrub Rose)
- Scent: Myrrh and almond blossom—light and sweet.
- Why I Grow It: Low-maintenance and blooms nonstop. Perfect for busy gardeners. I’ve used it in urban gardens where space is tight.
- Pro Tip: Mulch heavily in winter. Zones 5–9.
How to Grow 2025’s Most Fragrant Roses
1. Sun & Soil Secrets
- Morning Sun: Roses like Madame Isaac Pereire produce scent oils best with 4+ hours of AM sun.
- Soil Mix: I blend compost, coconut coir, and perlite for drainage. The University of California’s Agriculture Program recommends pH 6.0–6.5.
2. Watering Wisdom
- Avoid overhead watering—drip systems prevent mildew. During last year’s drought, my Honey Perfume thrived with deep weekly soakings.
3. Pruning Like a Pro
- For climbers like Étoile de Hollande, prune after the first bloom. Use sharp shears—I swear by Felco F-2 for clean cuts.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Scent
- Plant Near Heat-Reflective Surfaces: Roses like Fragrant Cloud release more fragrance when grown near stone walls or patios.
- Morning Sunlight: Roses produce scent oils in the AM. Ensure they get at least 4 hours of morning sun.
- Organic Fertilizers: I’ve had success with compost tea and fish emulsion to boost blooms.
Where to Buy 2025’s Top Roses
- New Hybrids: Check Star Roses for 2025 releases like Evening Star™, a lavender-hued climber with jasmine-like fragrance.
- Heirloom Varieties: David Austin Roses offers Munstead Wood and Jude the Obscure, both praised for their complex scents.
Common Questions (Answered!)
Q: Can fragrant roses grow indoors?
A: Yes! Miniatures like Honey Perfume thrive in sunny windows. The American Rose Society recommends LED grow lights for darker spaces.
Q: Are fragrant roses high-maintenance?
A: Not always. Shrub roses like Scepter’d Isle are disease-resistant and bloom with minimal care.
Q: Where can I find reviews of new 2025 varieties?
A: I follow Gardening Know How for unbiased rose trials. Their 2025 fragrant rose report drops this January.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the fruity Munstead Wood or the spicy Double Delight, 2025’s fragrant roses offer something for every garden. For more tips, explore my guide to designing a scented garden or drop a comment below—I’ll help you pick the perfect rose!
About Anna Scott: With 10+ years in gardening, Anna combines hands-on experience with research from trusted sources like the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management Program. Her work focuses on sustainable, fragrant gardens that thrive in diverse climates.
