Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Kew Gardens Rose Garden, a hidden gem within the iconic Kew Gardens. Designed by renowned landscape architect William Nesfield in 1848, this enchanting garden is home to 170 different species and cultivars of roses. In this article, we will explore the secrets and highlights of the Kew Gardens Rose Garden, inspiring you to create your own slice of paradise at home.

A Visual Feast: Kew Gardens Rose Garden


Experience a visual spectacle at the Kew Gardens Rose Garden, designed to delight and inspire. With its bold plantings of mixed shrub roses, this garden offers a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. From paler shades to vibrant hues near the iconic Palm House, the garden's clever design creates a stunning contrast against the glasshouse backdrop.

Garden roses at Kew Gardens Rose Garden, Pink rose is 'Duchess D'Angouleme' Peach rose is 'The Lady Gardener'
Pink rose is 'Duchess D'Angouleme' Peach rose is 'The Lady Gardener'

History of the Rose Garden:


The Rose Garden at Kew Gardens has a fascinating history that adds to its allure. Originally designed by the renowned English landscape architect William Nesfield in 1848, the garden was not initially planted with roses. It wasn't until the 1920s that the decision was made to transform the space into a rose haven. Since then, the garden has flourished, with 25 new rose beds being added in the last five years alone. This transformation has turned the Rose Garden into a true floral masterpiece, showcasing the beauty and diversity of roses for visitors to enjoy. The garden's rich history is a testament to the enduring love and appreciation for roses, making it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A Fragrant Journey: Kew Gardens Rose Garden


Indulge your senses with the captivating scents of the Kew Gardens Rose Garden. Visit in the morning or early evening to savor the lingering fragrance along the meticulously mowed walkways between the beds. Discover the bright scarlet Rosa 'Trumpeter' or immerse yourself in the fragrant scent of the apricot-colored Rosa 'Lady of Shalott'. These roses, among many others, offer an unforgettable sensory experience.

Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll' at the Kew Gardens rose garden
Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll'

Unveiling Hidden Gems: Kew Gardens Rose Garden


Uncover the hidden gems within the Kew Gardens Rose Garden. Admire the striking Rosa 'Princess Anne' with its deep pink petals or revel in the strong tea-like fragrance of the Rosa 'Port Sunlight'. Each rose in this garden has been carefully selected to showcase the diversity and beauty of this beloved flower.

Roses Beyond the Rose Garden at Kew Gardens: Rose Pergola


While the Rose Garden at Kew Gardens is undoubtedly the crown jewel for rose enthusiasts, roses can also be found in other parts of the Kew Garden, adding to the overall beauty and charm of this botanical wonderland. One notable example is the Agius Evolution Garden, where Kew Garden's famous rose pergola resides. This stunning structure is adorned with 26 varieties of roses, creating a captivating display of colors and fragrances. As you stroll along the pergola, you'll be treated to a sensory experience like no other, surrounded by the delicate beauty and intoxicating scents of these magnificent blooms. This is just one of the many ways in which Kew Gardens celebrates the timeless allure of roses, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their splendor throughout the entire garden.

Rose Pergola decorated with red climbing roses at the Kew Gardens, late summer, Kew Gardens Rose Garden
Rose Pergola at the Kew Gardens, late summer
Vintage postcard -The Rose Pergola at Kew Gardens - early 20th century

List of roses growing at the Kew Gardens Rose Garden:

Verified roses:

  • Rosa 'Jubilee Celebration' - Strong scent - David Austin - Rosaceae Shrub Rose - 2002
  • Rosa 'Wildeve'
  • Rosa 'Skylark' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Lichfield Angel' - David Austin - 2006
  • Rosa 'The Herbalist' - Light scented - Hips- David Austin - Rosaceae Shrub Rose  - 1991
  • Rosa 'Princess Anne' - Light scented - Rosaceae Shrub Rose
  • Rosa 'Scarborough Fair' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'England's Rose - Strong scent - Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2010
  • Rosa 'Princess Alexandra Of Kent' - Strong scent - Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2006
  • Rosa 'Maid Marion' - Light scented - Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2010
  • Rosa 'Wisley 2008'
  • Rosa 'Duchess D'Angouleme' -  Strong scent - Once flowering - Rosaceae Gallica - Vibert - 1821
  • Rosa 'The Generous Gardener' - Moderate scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2002
  • Rosa 'Golden Celebration' - Strong scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 1992
  • Rosa 'Charles Darwin' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'The Lady's Blush' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'The Alnwick Rose' - Moderate scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2001
  • Rosa 'Young Lycidas' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Lady Of Shalott' - Moderate scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2009
  • Rosa Kew Gardens' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Benjamin Britten' - Strong  scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2001
  • Rosa 'The Poet's Wife' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Tea Clipper' -  Strong  scent -  Rosaceae Shrub Rose - David Austin - 2006
  • Rosa 'The Pilgrim' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Bonica 82' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Sir John Betjeman' - Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Olivia Rose Austin' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Thomas a Becket' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'The Lady Gardener' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Kew Rambler' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Wildeve' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Claire Jacquier' -  Rosaceae
  • Rosa 'Mary Wallace' -  Rosaceae
White roses by Palm House at Kew Gardens, Rose garden, Rosa 'Lichfield Angel', David Austin, 2006
Rosa 'Lichfield Angel' - David Austin - 2006
Pink rose Rosa 'The Herbalist' at Kew Gardens rose garden - David Austin, Rosaceae Shrub Rose, 1991
Rosa 'The Herbalist' - Light scented - Hips- David Austin - Rosaceae Shrub Rose  - 1991

From other sources:

  • Rosa 'Bobby James'
  • Rosa 'Chaplins Pink Climber'
  • Rosa 'Filipes 'Kiftsgate' (rambling rose)
  • Rosa 'Francois Juranville'
  • Rosa 'Felicite Perpetue'
  • Rosa 'Alexander Gerault'
  • Rosa 'Veilchenblau'
  • Rosa 'Tuscany' - Strong scent - Once Flowering - Rosaceae Gallica - c.1600
  • Rosa 'Leda'
  • Rosa 'Sally Holms'
  • Rosa 'Mulliganii'
  • Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll'
  • Rosa 'The Alexander rose'
  • Rosa 'Camaieu' also known as Camaieux - Strong scent - Once Flowering - Rosaceae Gallica - Vibert
  • Rosa 'Maid of Kent'
  • Rosa 'Port Sunlight'
  • Rosa 'Felicia'
  • Rosa 'Crown Princess Margareta'
  • Rosa 'Princess Anne'
lush pink garden rose 'The Alnwick Rose' at Kew Garden Rose Garden
Rosa 'The Alnwick Rose'
Yellow rose 'Claire Jacquier' at the Kew gardens rose garden- Climbing rose
Rose 'Claire Jacquier' - Climbing rose
Rose Wildeve blooming at the Kew Gardens Rose Garden
Rose 'Wildeve' is a repeat-flowering hybrid musk rose, bearing masses of cushioned pink blooms with an apricot flush.
Rosa 'Kew Rambler' -  Rosaceae, Kew Garden rose garden
Rose 'Kew Rambler' -  Rosaceae

Create Your Own Paradise: Kew Gardens Rose Garden


Bring the beauty of the Kew Gardens Rose Garden into your own backyard. All the roses you see in this garden can be purchased and planted at home, allowing you to recreate a slice of Kew in your own personal oasis. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling yard, let the Kew Gardens Rose Garden inspire you to create a floral paradise of your own.

Conclusion:


Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Kew Gardens Rose Garden, a floral paradise within the renowned Kew Gardens. Designed by William Nesfield, this garden boasts 170 different species and cultivars of roses. From its stunning visual display to its intoxicating scents, the Kew Gardens Rose Garden offers a truly enchanting experience. Let it inspire you to create your own slice of paradise at home, as you bring the beauty and elegance of this iconic space into your everyday life.