Roses Across the World: A Journey Through Iconic Rose Gardens
Roses have long been symbols of love, beauty, and elegance, and their gardens have captivated visitors for centuries. From the charming rose gardens of England to the vibrant floral landscapes of Morocco and the sun-soaked wonders of California, roses bloom across the world in magnificent displays. Whether you're a passionate horticulturist or simply an admirer of this timeless flower, here’s a Bloom & Song Florist guide to some of the most iconic rose gardens that offer a sensory journey like no other.
1. England: The Historic Rose Gardens of the Royal Gardens
A Classic Garden Experience in the Heart of England
England is renowned for its centuries-old gardens and its storied relationship with roses. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and historic rose gardens, blending traditional designs with vibrant blooms that evoke romance and history.
Stunning Rose Gardens to Visit
The Rose Garden at Queen Mary’s Gardens, Regent’s Park (London): One of the most famous rose gardens in the world, Queen Mary’s Gardens features over 12,000 rose plants in more than 85 varieties. The garden is a floral haven, showcasing a rich tapestry of colors, from classic reds and pinks to rare and exotic varieties.
Hidcote Manor Garden (Gloucestershire): A quintessential English garden, Hidcote is famous for its intimate design, with roses flourishing in its many garden “rooms.” The garden’s rose borders are carefully curated, with hybrid teas, old roses, and climbing varieties adorning the garden’s stone walls and pathways.
Kew Gardens (London): Known for its botanical collections, Kew Gardens also has an impressive rose garden. The garden features both modern and historic roses, housed in a beautifully designed space that showcases the rose's evolution over time.
Why Visit
England’s rose gardens are a blend of history and horticulture, with many gardens dating back to the early 20th century or even earlier.
Visit during late spring or early summer (May–June) for peak rose blooms.
Each garden offers a unique atmosphere, from the grand designs at Queen Mary’s Gardens to the secluded beauty of Hidcote.
2. Morocco: The Fragrant Rose Gardens of the Atlas Mountains
Roses in the Heart of Morocco’s Oasis
Morocco is home to some of the most fragrant rose gardens in the world. The country’s warm climate and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for cultivating roses, particularly in the region surrounding the Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s roses are known for their captivating fragrance, which fills the air in many of the country’s traditional gardens.
Stunning Rose Gardens to Visit
The Rose Garden of El Kelaa M’Gouna: Located in the Dades Valley in southern Morocco, this garden is the heart of the country’s rose industry. The El Kelaa M’Gouna Festival, which takes place in May, celebrates the harvest of the famed Damask roses, which are used in perfumes, oils, and cosmetics. The surrounding valley is covered with vast fields of blooming roses, offering a stunning landscape that is both fragrant and colorful.
Marrakech’s Jardin Majorelle: While not exclusively a rose garden, the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech features a variety of exotic plants, including a number of vibrant rose varieties. The garden was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later renovated by Yves Saint Laurent, offering a peaceful escape from the city with vibrant flowers and lush greenery.
The Roses of Meknes: The Meknes region also hosts beautiful rose gardens, particularly in the surrounding countryside, where roses grow alongside olive groves and orchards. The area is known for its rich, perfume-grade roses.
Why Visit
The fragrance of Moroccan roses is unparalleled, with varieties like the Damask rose offering an unforgettable sensory experience.
The El Kelaa M’Gouna festival is a highlight for rose lovers, where visitors can witness the celebration of rose harvesting and rose-themed products.
Morocco’s rose gardens are nestled in scenic, picturesque landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains and sprawling desert oases.
3. California, USA: The Colorful and Diverse Rose Gardens of the Golden State
A Flourishing Rose Culture in California’s Sunshine
California, with its warm, Mediterranean climate, is an ideal location for growing a wide variety of roses. From the expansive rose gardens in San Francisco to the lush floral landscapes in Southern California, the state offers rose enthusiasts an array of stunning gardens to explore.
Stunning Rose Gardens to Visit
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (San Marino): Home to one of the largest and most diverse rose collections in the United States, The Huntington’s Rose Garden features more than 1,200 varieties of roses. Visitors can wander through the garden’s winding paths, surrounded by everything from old-world roses to modern hybrid teas.
San Francisco Botanical Garden (San Francisco): The San Francisco Botanical Garden features a stunning collection of roses, with over 1,500 varieties of roses from all over the world. The garden’s collection includes rare and unusual species, showcasing roses from every continent.
The International Rose Test Garden (Portland, Oregon): Though not in California, it is a must-visit for any rose lover in the Pacific Northwest. The garden is one of the oldest continuously operated public rose test gardens in the U.S. and hosts over 10,000 rose plants in a breathtaking setting with panoramic views of the city.
Why Visit
California’s diverse climate allows for a wide variety of rose species, making it a haven for rose collectors and enthusiasts.
The rose gardens in California are often set against breathtaking backdrops, from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the Bay Area’s fog-kissed landscapes.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early summer (April–June) when the roses are in full bloom.
Why Explore Roses Across the World?
Roses have long been symbols of beauty and grace, transcending borders and cultures. Each country’s rose garden offers a unique twist on this classic flower, showcasing different climates, varieties, and design philosophies.
Whether you're wandering through the grand rose gardens of England, experiencing the fragrant blooms of Morocco, or marveling at the variety of roses in California, a journey through these iconic rose gardens will be a sensory feast for the soul.
