Garden roses: a florist’s guide to the most fragrant roses

Let’s give it up for one of the most romantic roses out there: the garden rose. These special roses are loved by many for their soft, layered petals and charming, vintage vibe. With their romanic look and incredible fragrance, garden roses are a favourite of flower lovers all over the world. They have a unique touch that sets them apart from any other rose and makes them perfect for everyday arrangements, events, or most importantly, weddings!

How Garden Roses differ from standard Roses

While all different types of roses are undeniably beautiful, garden roses bring something extra to the table. The look and feel of garden roses is different than any other type of roses. While standard roses have pointed shape petals that are rotated around one centre, garden roses have ruffled petals that swirl around different centres. Their texture is softer and more intricate because they have more petals, like English garden roses. These soft, ruffled petals give these roses a vintage feel that’s hard to beat.

Another key difference between garden roses and other types of roses is her fragrance. Unlike standard roses who typically don’t carry a scent, garden roses are known as one of the most fragrant roses. So these beauties don’t only look interesting, they smell incredible too!

When are Garden Roses in season?

Garden roses are a true seasonal flower, so let us tell you about when garden rose season is! They are typically available from late spring through early autumn, depending on the variety and growing region. You’ll usually find them from April until October on our web shop. But remember, since garden roses are a natural product, their availability can differ. Their limited availability makes them even more special, so be sure to grab your wholesale garden roses while they’re here!

Top 5 Most Popular Garden Rose Varieties

The great thing about garden roses is that they come in so many colours, shapes, and sizes! From a soft peach or beige to a bright pink or orange, you can find garden roses in almost every colour of the rainbow. Garden roses are so versatile and can fit any theme or colour scheme. Here are a few of the most popular garden rose varieties:

Garden Rose ‘Vuvuzela’

If you’re looking for a garden rose that demands attention, then Vuvuzela is the one! This stunning multi-toned rose has an orange-yellow centre that transitions into a delicate pink towards the outer petals. This ombré effect is so cool! Its layered, ruffled petals give it the charm of a classic English garden rose, making it a favourite for bold and unique floral arrangements.

But did you know that Vuvuzela comes in different varieties?

• Gold Vuvuzela is a variant with a golden-yellow heart and rosy, pink outer petals.
• Romantic Vuvuzela is a softer version of the OG Vuvuzela with brighter apricot tones in the centre, fading into a fine pink at the edges.

Garden Rose ‘Pretty ‘n Pink’

If you’re after that perfect pink rose, look no further than Pretty ‘n Pink. This vibrant and intense coloured variety has a strong warm pink colour. Its full petals and gentle fragrance make it a top choice for bold floral designs and bridal bouquets. Whether used on its own or combined with complementary shades, Pretty ‘n Pink always delivers!

Garden Rose ‘Priscilla!’

True to its name, Priscilla! Is a rose fit for royalty. This luxurious garden rose has a large, intricate flower with a soft apricot centre that fades into delicate rosé, finishing with creamy white outer petals. With its classic English garden rose appearance, Priscilla brings an elegant and royal vibe to any floral arrangement. It’s an absolute must have for any arrangement, wedding, or event.

Garden Rose ‘Whitby Abbey’

Elegant and timeless, two words that perfectly describe garden rose Whitby Abbey. It is the perfect ivory garden rose for weddings and floral designs. Its strong, well-formed petals and stunning head make it an excellent choice for any theme. The soft ivory colour complements any colour palette, from neutral and pastel to bold and dramatic. If you’re looking for a versatile and elegant rose, Whitby Abbey is a top pick.

Garden Rose ‘Teddy’

Say hello to a true trendsetter: Teddy. This garden rose embraces the growing love for earthy, natural tones. With a warm brown colour that reminds you of a teddy bear, this soft mocha-coloured rose is a perfect choice for modern, neutral-coloured arrangements. And it’s perfect for the 2025 Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse. If you’re a fan of beige, taupe, and champagne-toned flowers, then Teddy is the rose for you!

And that’s just the start! There are so many gorgeous garden roses out there. Want to see more? Check out our wholesale garden rose selection and find the perfect ones for your next floral masterpiece!

Popular Wholesale Garden Rose Growers

At Hoek flowers, we work together with many amazing growers who specialize in growing wholesale garden roses of the highest quality. Many of these growers have been in the business for a long time and are true icons when it comes to growing different types of roses. Let us tell you a little bit about each one.

David Austin Roses

One of the most iconic names in the garden rose industry: David Austin. Honestly, who doesn’t know them? What started as a hobby in the 1940s turned into them being at the forefront of rose design with their incredible roses.

David Austin creates exceptional, world-class roses that are perfect for weddings, events, and other floral creations. They breed their roses based on the shape, colour, and scent, where only the very best is brought to the market. David Austin’s roses all have a collective style that can take up to 10 years to develop before they’re introduced to the world. Cool right!

Vip Roses

The ‘Vip’ in the name Vip Roses stands for Very Impressive Product, highlighting the quality of these roses. Vip Roses offer both homegrown garden-style roses and tinted flowers. What was initially discovered by accident, their flower manipulation techniques have now become a signature offering alongside their renowned garden roses.

Vip Roses allows each rose to fully develop in the ground, ensuring optimal growth and beauty. They are not a standard greenhouse with a fixed variety; instead, they are always evolving, searching for the next new variety in their greenhouse of paint lab.

Wans Roses

Wans Roses specialises in cut roses under glass and produces special rose varieties. They focus mostly on varieties with the appearance of English garden roses and have 31 different rose varieties in their portfolio. You might know these under the name Royal Beauties.

The production of their cut roses takes place in a modern greenhouse plant where the rose plants are grown and developed over a period of about five years. During this time, the plants undergo various stages of growth until they reach maturity and produce roses that are ready for harvesting.

Honourable Mentions

We cannot talk about garden roses without mentioning Alexandra Farms, Red Lands Roses, and the Tambuzi Roses. These growers are also known for producing stunning, high-quality garden roses that florists everywhere love.

All the farms we work with are unique, but every one of them has the same passion for flowers we do.