Imagine stepping into a rose garden bathed in the golden light of a summer evening. This is the enchanting experience that awaits you at Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property nestled in the heart of Hampshire. For decades, this historic garden has captivated visitors with its breathtaking beauty, showcasing over 500 varieties of roses that span from ancient to modern times. Open until 8 PM during the month of June, Mottisfont Abbey offers the perfect setting to enjoy these blooms in the soft, romantic twilight. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this rose garden so mesmerizing.

Discover a World of Roses

As you walk through the charming, rose-framed entrance of Mottisfont’s historic walled garden, you are greeted by a vibrant tapestry of pinks, purples, reds, and whites. Among the many varieties on display, Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ stands out. This sumptuous pale pink bourbon rose, inspired by Empress Josephine’s famous garden, is known for its full, cup-shaped blooms and delicate fragrance.

You'll also encounter delicate China and tea roses in shades of cream, pink, and red, including Rosa ‘Lady Hillingdon’. This tall, vigorous climbing tea rose boasts clusters of double, apricot-yellow blooms and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.

Further into the garden, a series of archways and trellises adorned with climbing rose varieties create a picturesque feature that is simply irresistible.

The Rose Garden at Mottisfont Abbey - yellow garden rose on the Cottage house wall, Old fashioned roses at Mottisfont - A Blooming Marvel
The Rose Garden at Mottisfont Abbey - Yellow Rose Lady Hillingdon on the Cottage House wall

Ancient Varieties

For those who appreciate the charm of ancient roses, Mottisfont Rose Garden offers a delightful selection. One of the most famous ancient varieties on display is Rosa ‘Gallica Officinalis’. This light crimson, deeply scented shrub was brought to England from Persia by the Crusaders and has been a gardener’s favorite for centuries.

Another must-see is the highly scented 'Quatre Saisons’. This autumn damask, grown by the Romans, is celebrated for its deep pink blooms and spicy fragrance.

Old rose Lady Curzon at The Rose Garden at Mottisfont Abbey, five petal pink rose
Rose Lady Curzon at The Rose Garden at Mottisfont Abbey

Enjoy the Unique Features of Mottisfont Gardens

Beyond the stunning variety of roses, Mottisfont Rose Garden is rich with unique and captivating elements. Take a leisurely stroll through the Walled Garden, originally built in the 1700s and lovingly restored to its former glory. Here, you'll find a diverse range of plants and flowers, including a collection of old-fashioned shrub roses. The central fountain serves as a focal point, while rustic arches and trellises support the climbing roses, adding to the garden’s charm. The nearby River Test further enhances the garden’s natural beauty.

Explore the tranquil Font Stream, which meanders through the garden. As you follow the stream, you'll pass under mature trees and encounter a variety of plants, including stunning white roses.

faouse white old climbing rose Adelaide d'Orleans at the Mottisfont Abbey rose garden, arches with white roses at the Mottisfont Abbey rose garden, the smell of roses
Instagram famouse white rose Adelaide d'Orleans at the Mottisfont Abbey rose garden
Climbing roses on the Cottage House at the Mottisfont Rose Gardend, the smell of roses
Climbing roses on the Cottage House at the Mottisfont Rose Gardend

The National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses

Mottisfont Rose Garden is home to the National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses, featuring over 500 varieties preserved for future generations. This collection includes some of the rarest and most unusual Old-Fashioned Roses in the country, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, gardeners, and rose enthusiasts.

old fashioned roses at Mottisfont, the smell of roses, Rose Tausendschon at the Mottisfont Abbey rose garden
Rose Tausendschon at the Mottisfont Abbey rose garden
old garden rose Rose Kathleen Harrop at Mottisfont Rose Garden, pink rose on the wall, old fashioned roses at Mottisfont, the smell of roses
Rose Kathleen Harrop (1919) at Mottisfont Rose Garden

List of roses growing at the Mottisfont Rose Garden:

The following is a numbered list of roses growing at the Mottisfont Rose Garden, based on my last visit where I photographed all the roses and their tags displayed at the garden. This list is 100% based on the actual roses growing at the garden and not a compilation of roses mentioned in articles about the garden, which sometimes include incorrect attributions:

  1. Crimson Glory - H.T. 1935
  2. City of York Climber - Modern Climbers 1945
  3. The Pilgrim - m. Shrub 1991
  4. Buff Beauty
  5. Kathleen Harrop - Burbon 1919
  6. Awakening
  7. Emily Gray - Wichurana 1918
  8. Duchesse D’auerstadt - Nossette 1888
  9. Lady Cursor - Modern Shrub 1901
  10. Stanwell Perpetual Spinosissima 1838
  11. Clematis viticella 'Purpurea Plena Elegans'
  12. Tausendschon
  13. Königin von Dänemark - Alba 1826
  14. Fimbriata - Hybrid Rugosa 1891
  15. Russelliana - Multiflora Rambler 1840
  16. Charles de Mills - Gallica Pre 1746
  17. Ghislaine de Feligonde - Hybrid Multiflora 1916
  18. Jeanne de Montfort
  19. Etna Moss - 1845
  20. Camaïeux - Gallica 1830
  21. Laneii - Moss 1845
  22. Gloire de France - Gallica 1828
  23. Tom Wood - Hybrid Perpetual 1896
  24. Mme Gabriel Luizet
  25. Le Havre - Hybrid Perpetual 1871
  26. Triomphe de l’exposition - Hybrid Perpetual 1855
  27. Vick’s Caprice - HP 1897
  28. Ceillet Parfait - Damask 1841
  29. Variegata di Bologna - Bourbon 1909
  30. Pink Leda - Damask Pre 1827
  31. X damascena ‘Versicolor’ (york and Lancaster) - Damask pre 1629
  32. Louise Odier - Bourbon 1851
  33. Baron de Wassenaer - Moss 1854
  34. Goldfinch - Multiflora Rambler 1907
  35. Duchesse de Montebello - Gallica 1829
  36. Rosa multiflora
  37. Penelope - Hybrid Musk 1924
  38. Comte de Chambord - Portland 1860
  39. Souvenir de St Anne’s - Bourbon pre 1916
  40. Fragrant Memories
  41. Crepuscule - Noisette 1904
  42. Gros Choux d’Hollande - Centofolia 1820
  43. Gruss an Aachen - Floribunda 1909
  44. Pink Gruss an Aachen - Tea 1930
  45. Pink Gruss an Aachen - Floribunda 1930
  46. Felicia - Hybrid Musk 1928
  47. Foetida Persian (The Persian Yellow rose) - Ancient
  48. Adelaide d’Orleans - Sempervirens Rambler 1826
  49. Williams Double Yellow - Pimpinellifolia 1828
  50. Ferdinand Richard - Bourbon 1921
  51. Blair No. 2 - Bouron 1845
  52. Vivid
  53. Mortimer Tackler - Moder Shrub 2002
  54. Marchioness of Salisbury - Hybrid Tea 1890
  55. Etoile de Lyon - 1881
  56. Grace Darling - Hybrid Tea 1884
  57. Mme Berkley - Tea 1898
  58. Frau Karl Druschki - Hybrid Perpetual 1901
  59. Indigo - Portland 1830
  60. Cramoisi Supérieur - China 1835
  61. Old Blush - China Ancient
  62. Jacques Cartier - Portland 1868
  63. Gloire des Mousseux (Bermudan Form) - Moss 1852
  64. Mme Hardy - Musk 1832
  65. Tour de Malakoff - Centifolia 1856
  66. Lady Hillingdon - Climbing Rose 1877

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Roses that meant to be growing in the garden but I haven't spotted during my visit:

  1. Lykkefund
  2. Rosa 'Gallica Officinalis' (the Apothecary's Rose)
  3. Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ - Clg. Souv. de la Malmaison
  4. Rosa ‘Quatre Saisons’
  5. Rosa 'Quatre Saisons Blanc Mousseux'
  6. Rosa rugosa ‘Rubra’
  7. Paul Neyron
  8. Baroness Rothschild
  9. Ulrich Brunner Fils
  10. Variegata di Bologna
  11. Mme Isaac Pereire - Tree rose
  12. Dupuy Jamain
  13. Spong
  14. Amadis - Pillar rose
  15. Honorine de Brabant
  16. Baron Girod de l'Ain
  17. Dainty Bess
  18. Mrs John Laing
  19. John Hopper
  20. Constance Spry

And probably many other roses that did not bloom at the time of my visit. So I will come back to this list again in a seperate post to cover it in deatil.

Rose Charles de Mills - Gallica Pre 1746, the smell of roses, Mottisfont rose garden
Rose Charles de Mills - Gallica Pre 1746
Old Rose Russelliana - Multiflora Rambler 1840, Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Old Rose Russelliana - Multiflora Rambler 1840
Rose City of York - Modern Climbers 1945, the smell of roses, Mottisfont rose garden
Rose City of York - Modern Climbers 1945
Rose Adelaide d'Orleans 1826, Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Rose Adelaide d'Orleans 1826
old rose Tour de Malakoff - Centifolia 1856, Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Old Rose Tour de Malakoff - Centifolia 1856
Ancient rose Foetida Persian, Mottisfont Abbey rose garden, the smell of roses
Ancient Rose Foetida Persian (The Persian Yellow rose)
Old rose Indigo - Portland 1830, Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Old rose Indigo - Portland 1830
Old rose Fimbriata - , Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of rosesHybrid Rugosa 1891,
Old rose Fimbriata - Hybrid Rugosa 1891

History of Mottisfont Rose Gardens

The story of Mottisfont Rose Garden is one of transformation and dedication. Originally established as a priory in the 13th century, Mottisfont Abbey was acquired by Gilbert Russell, 10th Duke of Bedford, in 1934 and converted into a country estate. After changing hands several times, the estate was donated to the National Trust in 1957 by the 3rd Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

The walled garden, initially intended to supply the estate with fresh produce, was transformed in the early 1970s when renowned horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas was invited to design a rose garden. Using his vast knowledge and expertise, Thomas created a garden that showcases a diverse range of roses, both old-fashioned and modern. Today, the garden features over 500 types of roses, emphasizing classic English varieties, each a testament to the passion and dedication of those who have worked to create and maintain this beautiful space.

Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Climbing yellow roses on the Cottage House (Top Lodge) at the Mottisfont Rose Gardend
David austin rose Mortimer Sackler 2002, Mottisfont Abbey old rose collection, the smell of roses
Modern David Austin Rose Mortimer Sackler - 2002

Visiting the Garden

The Mottisfont Rose Garden is open from March to October each year and is a must-see for anyone who loves roses, history, or gardens. Easily accessible by car or public transport, the garden is just a short walk from the village of Mottisfont. Rose season runs from May 30 to June 29, with the gardens open until 8 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On all other days the garden is open from 10 AM until 5 PM. Mottisfont is free for Natioal Trust and Art Fund members. For more visitor information about the Mottisfont check here.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, a visit to the Mottisfont Rose Garden is sure to be a memorable experience. Come and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of roses and discover the timeless charm of this historic garden.

Not everyone can visit during the rose season, so I invite you to enjoy this video tour created by the National Trust in 2020 when the gardens were closed. In the video, former General Manager Louise Govier shares her favorite blooms and unveils the rich history of this enchanting garden. Enjoy the highlights from Mottisfont’s Rose Garden.

If you are interested and want to view the previous posts that I have published about this garden, here are the links: