14 Fragrant Old Roses: Heirloom Varieties Prized for Scent

Timeless Roses with Unforgettable Perfume

Rosarians cherish these old roses for their exceptional fragrance. Each offers unique color, form, and bloom habit.

'Alba Semiplena' (Alba): White, extremely fragrant semi-double; disease-resistant; 6×4–5 ft; once-blooming.
'Belle Isis' (Gallica): Medium pink, wonderfully perfumed; 4×3 ft; once-blooming.
Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia): Medium-deep pink, heady perfume; 6×5 ft; once-blooming.
'Comte de Chambord' (Portland): Silvery pink, pungent old-rose scent; 4×3 ft; continuous.
'Crepuscule' (Noisette): Gold double ruffled blooms, strong fragrance; 12×6 ft; repeat.
"Darlow's Enigma" (Unknown): Grows in full shade; small white clustered blooms, rich fragrance; 8×6 ft; repeat.
'Ferdinand Pichard' (Hybrid Perpetual): Candy pink striped crimson, aging to purple; 5×4 ft; repeat.
'Francesca' (Hybrid Musk): Soft apricot semi-double clusters, honeysuckle fragrance; 5–6 ft; continuous.
'Henri Martin' (Moss): Crimson red, many petals, strong old-rose scent; 5–7×6 ft; once-blooming.
'Mme Hardy' (Damask): White with green eye, very fragrant; 6×4 ft; once-blooming.
'Mme Isaac Pereire' (Bourbon): Raspberry purple, among most fragrant; 5–6×4–5 ft; continuous.
'Reine des Violettes' (Hybrid Perpetual): Deep violet purple, marvelously fragrant; 7×5–6 ft; continuous.
'Rose de Rescht' (Portland): Bright fuchsia, wonderful fragrance; compact 4×3 ft; repeat.
'Souvenir de la Malmaison' (Bourbon): Light pink, spicy sweet; compact 4–5×4 ft; continuous.