Red roses have long been cherished as timeless symbols of passion, love, and elegance. Whether gifted in a bouquet or blooming in a summer garden, their rich crimson petals carry emotional weight that few other flowers can match. But not all red roses are created equal—some are bred for their intoxicating fragrance, while others are prized for their disease resistance, repeat flowering, or dramatic color. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best red-flowered rose varieties for gardeners who want beauty, performance, and romance all in one bloom.
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Why Red Roses Are So Loved
Across cultures and centuries, red roses have been the ultimate expression of heartfelt emotion. Their deep, velvety petals and striking colour make them a powerful symbol in art, literature, and celebrations. But their appeal goes beyond symbolism.
In gardens, red roses offer a classic elegance that works beautifully in both formal and relaxed designs. Their vibrant tones stand out against green foliage, and many varieties offer the added bonus of rich, layered fragrance.
Here’s why red roses remain a top choice for gardeners:
- Symbolism: Love, courage, respect, and beauty
- Fragrance: Many red rose varieties are intensely scented
- Colour impact: Bold blooms create striking focal points
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, hedges, containers, or climbing displays
With so many varieties available today, there’s a red rose for every space and style—from compact patio pots to sprawling pergolas.
Top 10 Red Rose Varieties
If you’re looking to plant red roses that offer show-stopping colour and garden-worthy performance, these ten varieties are excellent choices. Each brings something unique—whether it’s fragrance, repeat blooms, or disease resistance.
1. ‘Darcey Bussell’ (David Austin Rose)
A compact English shrub rose with rich crimson blooms that deepen with age.
- Growth: Bushy, up to 3 ft
- Fragrance: Light fruity scent
- Best for: Borders and small gardens
- Bonus: Repeats flowering throughout the season
2. ‘Mister Lincoln’
A classic hybrid tea rose known for its velvety, deep red flowers and powerful perfume.
- Growth: Upright, 4–6 ft
- Fragrance: Strong, sweet rose scent
- Best for: Cutting gardens and display
- Bonus: Long-stemmed and heat-tolerant
3. ‘Loving Memory’
This variety produces large, formal red blooms perfect for memorial gardens or romantic corners.
- Growth: Tall, up to 5 ft
- Fragrance: Light, fresh scent
- Best for: Formal beds or floral arrangements
- Bonus: Good disease resistance
4. ‘Etoile de Hollande’ (Climbing Rose)
A heritage climbing rose with repeat-blooming deep red flowers and intoxicating scent.
- Growth: Vigorous climber, up to 12 ft
- Fragrance: Strong and spicy
- Best for: Arches, pergolas, trellises
- Bonus: Performs well even in partial shade
5. ‘Chrysler Imperial’
Deep red, velvety petals and strong fragrance make this rose a long-standing favorite.
- Growth: Upright, 4–5 ft
- Fragrance: Intense, old-rose scent
- Best for: Cutting and fragrance gardens
- Bonus: Excellent vase life
6. ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ (David Austin Rose)
Romantic, crimson-red blooms with a trailing growth habit.
- Growth: 4–6 ft, suitable for training as a short climber
- Fragrance: Old rose scent
- Best for: Cottage gardens, arches, obelisks
- Bonus: Repeat bloomer with deep, romantic petals
7. ‘Ingrid Bergman’
An award-winning hybrid tea with classic red rose form and resilience.
- Growth: 3–4 ft
- Fragrance: Mild
- Best for: Mixed borders and containers
- Bonus: Highly weather-tolerant
8. ‘Crimson Glory’ (Climbing Form)
A nostalgic rose with velvety texture and intense fragrance.
- Growth: Up to 10 ft (climbing form)
- Fragrance: Strong, spicy
- Best for: Vertical structures or informal gardens
- Bonus: Deep, dramatic colour that lasts
9. ‘Papa Meilland’
One of the most fragrant red roses, with dark, velvety petals.
- Growth: 4–5 ft
- Fragrance: Exceptionally strong
- Best for: Evening gardens and bouquets
- Bonus: Deep colour holds well in hot weather
10. ‘Munstead Wood’ (David Austin Rose)
A richly coloured shrub rose with a classic old-rose fragrance.
- Growth: 3–4 ft
- Fragrance: Warm and fruity
- Best for: Small gardens, pots, and borders
- Bonus: Blooms prolifically from spring to autumn
Tips for Growing Red Roses
Successfully growing red roses takes a little planning, but the payoff is well worth it. With the right conditions and care, your roses will reward you with vivid colour and continuous blooms throughout the season.
1. Choose the Right Location
Red roses love the sun. Give them a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is especially important, as it helps dry the dew off leaves and prevents fungal diseases.
- Avoid planting too close to walls or fences
- Ensure good airflow around the plant to prevent mildew and blackspot
2. Soil Preparation Is Key
For healthy, vigorous red roses, soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
- Ideal pH: slightly acidic (6.0 to 6.5)
- Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole
- Improve heavy clay with sand and organic matter to aid drainage
3. Water Deeply, Not Often
Roses prefer consistent moisture at the root level—but they don’t like soggy soil.
- Water early in the day
- Avoid overhead watering, which encourages leaf diseases
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
4. Feed for Better Blooms
Red roses are heavy feeders. Regular feeding boosts bloom production and plant health.
- Use a balanced rose fertilizer or one with higher phosphorus (e.g., 5-10-5)
- Feed in early spring, after the first flush of blooms, and again in midsummer
- Avoid overfeeding late in the season—it may promote weak late growth
5. Prune Smartly
Pruning improves air circulation, shapes the plant, and stimulates new growth.
- Prune in late winter or early spring, just as buds begin to swell
- Remove dead or crossing branches
- Always cut just above an outward-facing bud using clean, sharp tools
6. Watch for Common Pests and Diseases
Even the best-tended red roses can attract trouble. Look out for:
- Aphids: Green or black insects on new shoots
- Blackspot: Round black patches on yellowing leaves
- Powdery Mildew: White, dusty coating on leaves
Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed. Clean up fallen leaves to prevent disease recurrence.
Red Roses in Garden Design
Thanks to their bold colour, timeless beauty, and wide variety of forms, red roses are a versatile choice in both formal and informal gardens. Whether you want to create a dramatic focal point or a romantic floral backdrop, red roses can easily be the star of your landscape.
1. Create a Romantic Focal Point
Nothing draws the eye like a mass of blooming red roses. Use them:
- As a centerpiece in a circular bed
- Framing a garden entrance or archway
- Along a pathway or driveway for dramatic flair
Climbing varieties like ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ or ‘Etoile de Hollande’ look especially striking when trained over arches or pergolas.
2. Pair with Complementary Colours
Red roses can be bold and intense, so thoughtful pairing is key.
- White or pale pink flowers soften the look and add elegance
- Silver foliage (like artemisia or lamb’s ear) balances the heat of red
- Lavender or deep blue blooms create rich, moody contrasts
- Yellow or gold accents add vibrancy and warmth
Use colour blocking in larger beds for a bold, modern effect, or blend hues gently in a cottage-style garden.
. Combine with Texture and Form
To avoid a flat or overpowering look, mix red roses with plants that offer varied textures:
- Tall grasses bring movement and softness
- Low-growing herbs like thyme or creeping rosemary can fill gaps at the base
- Boxwood hedging offers structure and formality
Shrub roses like ‘Darcey Bussell’ also look great planted in groups of three for a natural, full effect.
4. Use Containers for Flexibility
Compact red rose varieties thrive in pots and containers, allowing you to add romance to patios, balconies, or courtyards.
- Use high-quality potting soil with good drainage
- Choose containers at least 18 inches wide and deep
- Mix with trailing plants like bacopa or alyssum for extra interest
This is ideal if you’re short on space or want movable splashes of colour throughout the season.
Conclusion
Few flowers evoke emotion quite like red roses. Whether you’re drawn to their romantic symbolism, bold colour, or lush fragrance, there’s no denying their enduring appeal. From classic hybrid teas to charming English shrubs and climbing varieties, the perfect red rose is out there for every type of garden.
With the right care, thoughtful placement, and a little seasonal maintenance, these timeless beauties will reward you with years of stunning blooms. Add red roses to your garden for a burst of passion and elegance that never goes out of style.