Fragrance is more than just an attribute of roses; it’s a gateway to nostalgia, emotion, and sensory delight. This enduring quality is what brought Matt Douglas of High Country Roses back to the Rose Chat Podcast, hosted by Teresa Byington, for a captivating discussion on the magic of fragrant roses.
From the moment we encounter a rose, our instinct is to lean in and take a deep breath. This simple act connects us to the essence of the flower, often transporting us to cherished memories or distant gardens. As Matt and Teresa reflect, fragrance is frequently the first thing people ask about when selecting a rose. For many, a rose without scent feels incomplete, though the beauty of the blooms alone can be reason enough to grow them.
Fragrance as a Time Machine
The conversation quickly turned personal, with Teresa recounting a childhood memory of visiting her great-grandmother’s garden. Though she couldn’t recall the flowers, the lingering fragrance stayed with her for years, a subtle yet persistent connection to her past. For Matt, memories of his mother’s expansive rose garden, filled with over 400 bushes, evoke a similar emotional response. The fragrance that permeated the yard remains vivid, long after the blooms have faded.
This shared experience highlights a truth about fragrant roses: they serve as sensory bookmarks in our lives. A single whiff can unlock forgotten summers, family gatherings, and quiet moments in nature. As Michael Marriott famously wrote, “A deliciously fragrant rose has the wonderful ability to both calm us down and raise our spirits.”
Follow along with the original podcast conversation here:
The Science of Rose Fragrance
Fragrance isn’t just subjective—it’s deeply rooted in science. Roses produce their scent through a blend of oil-based compounds, including alcohols and sugars. Matt explained that over 1,000 genes in our bodies are dedicated to olfactory reception, illustrating how important scent is to human experience. This complexity is mirrored in roses, which can emit a kaleidoscope of aromas, from classic tea and spice to surprising notes like clove, licorice, and even banana.
Matt’s team compiled a list of descriptors used to characterize rose scents, ranging from honey and apricot to moss and even “dirt.” While some fragrances are bold and immediately recognizable, others are subtle, inviting closer inspection.
Old Garden Roses: The Fragrant Classics
When it comes to fragrance, old garden roses are in a league of their own. These heirloom varieties, including damask and centifolia roses, are known for their intense, rich scents. Damask roses, in particular, stand out for their high oil content, making them favorites in perfume production. The famed Rose Valley of Bulgaria, where roses are hand-harvested to produce rose oil, is a testament to their enduring allure.
Standout fragrant old garden roses include ‘Belle de Crècy,’ ‘Kazanlik,’ ‘Ispahan,’ and ‘Autumn Damask.’ Matt also highlighted Rosa eglanteria (Sweet Briar Rose) for its apple-scented foliage, which adds a unique layer of fragrance to the garden. For gardeners with limited space, Matt suggests compact varieties like the Portland rose ‘Rose de Rescht,’ or the bourbon rose ‘Madame Isaac Pereire.’ Another notable mention is ‘Paul Ricault,’ a centifolia rose known for its abundance of petals and heady fragrance.
Modern Roses: Balancing Beauty and Performance
While old garden roses excel in fragrance, modern breeders have made significant strides in creating roses that balance scent with disease resistance, repeat blooming, and vigor. This innovation ensures that gardeners no longer have to choose between health and fragrance—they can have both.
Matt points to varieties like ‘Julia Child,’ a groundbreaking rose that marked a turning point for Weeks Roses by combining stunning color, disease resistance, and fragrance. Its influence is undeniable, with over 110 descendant roses currently in commerce. More recent introductions like ‘Chantilly Cream’ and ‘Fun in the Sun’ continue this tradition, captivating gardeners with their vibrant blooms and intoxicating scents.
Top Fragrant Roses for Today’s Gardens
During the podcast, Matt shared his top picks for fragrant roses, many of which are recent introductions that promise exceptional performance:
- Earth Angel – Known for its globular blooms and rich, sweet scent.
- Raspberry Cupcake – Fruity and vibrant, with reliable repeat blooming.
- Enchanted Peace – A modern take on the iconic Peace rose, offering stronger fragrance and better disease resistance.
- White Licorice – A unique licorice-anise fragrance sets this rose apart.
Teresa, reflecting on her own experiences, emphasized modern roses like Eustacia Vye, Savannah, and Sweet Mademoiselle as personal favorites, praising their strong fruity scents and floral notes that stand out in her garden. She noted how fragrant roses, especially those with fruity undertones, have become some of her go-to choices for creating bouquets and adding beauty to her landscape.
Roses for Every Garden
The beauty of roses lies in their versatility. Whether sprawling across a trellis, forming a fragrant hedge, or filling a modest container, there’s a rose to suit every garden and gardener. As Teresa and Matt emphasize, fragrance should be part of the equation. A well-placed fragrant rose enhances not only the garden but also the gardener’s experience, adding depth and emotion to the landscape.
As Teresa concludes, the message is clear: take the time to stop and smell the roses. Whether through cultivating old garden roses or exploring the latest fragrant introductions, the journey through fragrance is one worth savoring. And for those eager to grow their collection, summer is a great time to place an order, with High Country Roses shipping throughout the season.
Fragrant roses are more than just plants—they’re experiences, memories, and moments waiting to be rediscovered.
Teresa is a passionate rose grower and host of the Rose Chat Podcast. Her cottage garden features 120+ roses, blending heirlooms and modern shrubs. Teresa’s work has been featured in Garden Gate, Midwest Living, and The American Rose Society. She introduced the award-winning rose, ‘Petite Peach’. A past president of the Indianapolis Rose Society, Teresa now serves as Social Media Manager.
