Roses are perhaps the most well-known, recognizable flowers known to man. And yet, they’re gorgeous classics that will never go out of style. Come on; you’d be fibbing if you said you’ve never been mesmerized by their delicately layered petals! While we love roses and their many shapes and colors, some gardeners are still hesitant to grow them because of their reputation for being a little demanding.
We’re here to assure you that rose plants have come a long way and that they’re not nearly as hard to handle as people make them out to be! Roses should be planted by late spring or early summer, so it’s still not too late! Here are our favorite rose varieties you can plant right now:
Red Roses
Lasting Love: The deep red color of this hybrid tea rose makes it an absolute classic. Not only will it add an air of romance to your yard, but it’ll also perfume the air with its strong, fruity fragrance. This variety is known for its disease resistance. Grows 3-5′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 5*.
Double Delight: This popular hybrid tea rose is well known for its large, bi-colored blooms, with red tips and a creamy white interior. You’ll be even more delighted by its spicy fragrance! ‘Double Delight’ has been one of our most popular roses for the last 30 years. Grows 5′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 5*.
Pink Roses
Morden Blush: Morden Blush is a gorgeous, pale pink Parkland hybrid rose with blooms that contrast beautifully with its glossy, green foliage. It’s delicately ruffled blooms add a sense of elegance to any garden, while also being one of the hardiest and disease-resistant roses we carry. Can be grown as a shrub or climber. Grows 2-3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 3 (sometimes reported hardy to Zone 2!).
Winnipeg Parks: This Parkland hybrid’s petals are so pink, they almost glow in the dark! Not to mention, they hold a continuous bloom that’s sure to make a statement in your landscape. This rose shrub’s small size makes it a lovely plant for almost any area. Grows 2-3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 3.
Orange Roses
Distant Drums: Distant Drums is a Buck Rose hybrid shrub with a stunning color palette. Admire various shades of pale orange, blush pink, and even mauve—all together on the same plant! This vigorous bloomer is definitely one of the most Instagram-worthy. Grows 3-4′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 4/5*.
Prairie Sunrise: Another Buck Rose hybrid shrub, Prairie Sunrise is an “orange” rose that’s actually variegated with several different colors. Their buds emerge a deep apricot color, before opening up to a lovely shade of salmon, complete with a yellow base. Very disease-resistant! Grows 2.5-3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Yellow Roses
Morden Sunrise: If you could capture the beauty of a sunrise in a flower, this is it. This Parkland rose is actually a beautiful blend of colors, with yellow petals and a stunning orange blush at the tips. What makes this rose even more unique is its elegantly-shaped, wavy petals. Disease-resistant. Grows 2-3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 3.
Topaz Jewel: A bright, buttery-yellow rose shrub that fades to a light, creamy color during the heat of summer. The dense, textured leaves will bring additional interest to your garden. Grows 3-5′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Purple Roses
Ebb Tide: A deep violet rose with double flowers and a prominent clove scent. This prolific bloomer produces small clusters that pair perfectly with its dark green foliage. Grows 2-3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 5*.
Wild Blue Yonder: As one of our only Grandiflora roses, we can’t help but appreciate the impact these large flower clusters have on the garden. Their ruffled blooms have been compared to those of camellias, and emerge in shades of mauve and purple, sometimes with a hint of red. Grows 4-5′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 5*.
White Roses
Snowdrift: Although the flowers are small, this East Elegance rose has no problem covering the shrub with its cupped, white blooms. As with any white flower, ‘Snowdrift’ is a delicate, elegant accessory for your garden. Very disease resistant. Grows 3-4′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Starry Night: While they don’t look much like roses, ‘Starry Night’ definitely lives up to the impressive name. What makes this variety unique is it produces single, white blossoms, rather than the traditional, ruffled shape we’ve come to expect. Gold stamens emerge from the center, adding a touch of cheerful color. A super low-maintenance, continuous bloomer—great for novice gardeners! Grows 3′ tall, hardy to USDA Zone 4/5*.
(*In late fall, we recommend protecting roses rated for Zone 5 with a rose cone and mulch to help them survive our Zone 4 winters.)
Have we convinced you to try your hand at growing roses yet? Be sure to check out our full selection of roses here at Plant Perfect. We’re happy to help you choose the right rose for you, and answer any questions you may have about growing them. As many of you know, we’re open for business now! Please be sure to check our updated hours before dropping by.