Ask any devoted rosarian about their favorite rose, and the answer is often complex. But for Kimberley, an experienced gardener in Maryland’s Zone 8a, the response is clear and heartfelt: Bliss Parfuma®. Known simply as “Bliss,” this remarkable floribunda rose has captivated her with its charm, versatility, and resilience, earning a special place in her garden and her heart.
A Discovery Worth Chasing
Kimberley’s journey with Bliss Parfuma® began when she saw the rose featured by an Australian blogger. Its highly petaled blooms, bathed in a soft apricot-pink hue, were described as “Fairytale Magic”. Intrigued, Kimberley quickly discovered that this enchanting rose went by many names, including Bliss Parfuma®, Märchenzauber® in Germany, and Fairytale Magic in Australia.
Bred by Tim Hermann Kordes in 2003, Bliss was introduced to Germany in 2015 and made its way to North America in 2019, thanks to Star Roses and Plants. The rose’s pedigree is as impressive as its beauty—it belongs to Kordes’ esteemed Parfuma® collection, celebrated for combining exquisite fragrance with exceptional disease resistance.
An Award-Winning Performer
Bliss Parfuma® is no stranger to accolades. It was honored with the “Golden Rose of Baden-Baden” award in 2016, a prestigious recognition in European rose trials. In the United States, the rose excelled in Star Roses and Plants’ no-spray trials in Pennsylvania, proving its ability to resist common diseases like black spot and powdery mildew without chemical intervention.
A Delight for the Senses
The appeal of Bliss Parfuma® goes beyond its resilience. Its densely petaled blooms, measuring around 3.5 inches in diameter, are a dreamy blend of light pink and apricot shades. The moderate fragrance is another standout feature—a sweet and citrusy scent that lingers in the air and adds another dimension to this rose’s charm. Complementing the flowers are glossy, healthy leaves that provide a striking backdrop to the soft blooms. See Kimberley’s video featuring the rose here:
Kimberley’s Garden Experience
Kimberley added Bliss Parfuma® to her garden in 2020, and it didn’t take long for it to surpass her expectations. While HelpMeFind.com lists its mature size at 36 inches tall and 28 inches wide, Kimberley’s Bliss grew even larger, reaching 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in her Zone 8a garden.
What truly sets Bliss apart for Kimberley, though, is its versatility. She has successfully planted it in partial shade, where many roses struggle. It’s become one of her go-to choices for challenging spots, offering consistent blooms and disease resistance even in less-than-ideal conditions. Since adding her first plant, she’s planted nearly 40 more, often en masse for a stunning display.
A Rose for Every Garden
With its proven hardiness in Zone 5 and warmer, Bliss Parfuma® is an excellent choice for a wide range of climates. Gardeners in colder zones can still enjoy its beauty by growing it in a greenhouse, ensuring protection during harsh winters. Whether used in mass plantings, as a standout specimen, or in spots with partial shade, this rose delivers beauty and performance that few others can match.
Closing Thoughts
Kimberley’s enthusiasm for Bliss Parfuma® is well-founded. Its award-winning pedigree, captivating blooms, and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make it a must-have for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re drawn to its fragrance, resilience, or simply its charm, Bliss Parfuma® is a rose that truly lives up to its name.
Kimberley Dean, a Consulting Rosarian and Master Gardener from Southern Maryland, shares over 30 years of experience through her YouTube channel, The Rose Geek. She offers practical advice on organic rose care, focusing on proven solutions to challenges like black spot and sawfly damage.
