Choosing the most fragrant climbing roses is no easy task.
There are a multitude of varieties with very different aromas so it can be very difficult to choose.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the top 11 most fragrant climbing roses to help you choose the perfect variety for your garden.
1. Alister Stella Gray Rose
The Alister Stella Gray rose was bred by Alexander Hill Gray in United Kingdom, in 1894.
| COLOR: Light Yellow | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong Sweet Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft – 16ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Alister Stella Gray rose has a uniquely shaped bloom form.
The petals of this rose are tightly scrolled in the center while the petals open into a rosette shape around the perimeter of the flower.
They bloom in small clusters and have long, thin branches.
Alister Stella Gray roses have a preference for dry climates and do not tolerate wet weather conditions well.
If you live in an arid climate, then we definitely recommend the Alister Stella Gray for you.
In addition, please avoid overhead watering with this plant especially. Instead, aim the water towards the base of the plant where the main stem meets the soil. Too much wet foliage has the potential to harbor harmful bacterial diseases such as blackspot.
2. Climbing Lady Hillingdon Rose
Climbing Lady Hillingdon rose was bred by Elisha J. Hicks in United Kingdom, in 1917.
| COLOR: Apricot | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Tea Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 12ft – 15ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The long buds of the Climbing Lady Hillingdon bloom into large semi-double roses with a high centered bloom form.
The shrub of the Climbing Lady Hillingdon is bushy and upright with leaves that are a bronze-green hue.
This particular variety does not enjoy cold climates and will therefore require spring freeze protection.
If you live in a location of the world that is privy to random frosts in the spring, we advise you to check with your local weather advisory on when the last spring frost date is.
Do not prune your plant until all threats of frost have passed.
3. Climbing Ena Harkness Rose
Ena Harkness rose was bred by Gurteen & and R. Murrell in United Kingdom, in 1954.
| COLOR: Red | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Damask Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 12ft – 15ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Ena Harkness rose is another one of the most fragrant climbing roses.
It has a high-centered bloom form with full petals (26 to 40 per flower).
The shrub grows stiff upright branches that have an abundance of green leaves with a leathery texture.
These roses are ideal for dressing up a plain exterior wall.
Related post: 12 Stunning Wall Climbing Roses
Climbing Ena Darkness plants are very resistant to common rose diseases such as blackspot or rust.
Despite their resistance to these diseases, it is still a good idea to always implement proper cultural practices to keep your plants healthy and happy.
A simple action such as reducing overhead watering or promoting air circulation by pruning can make all the difference in your plants’ production.
4. Madame Gregoire Staechelin Rose
Madame Gregoire Staechelin rose was bred by Pedro (Pere) Dot in Spain, before 1926.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Sweet Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 8ft – 20ft | FLOWERING: Once Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The blooms of the Madame Gregoire Staechelin rose are semi-double, with each rose containing 9 to 16 petals.
Theier bloom have a ruffled bloom form.
These roses either bloom in solitary or in small clusters.
The leaves of the plant are large as well. They are glossy, dark green, and have a bushy growth pattern.
5. Climbing Etoile de Hollande Rose
The Climbing Etoile de Hollande rose was bred by Mathias Leenders in Netherlands, in 1931.
| COLOR: Red | BLOOM SIZE: Very Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 8ft – 30ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Climbing Etoile de Hollande rose is a large, double petaled rose belonging to the Hybrid Tea category.
When this flower blooms, it blooms in flushes during the early and late seasons.
It is one of the most fragrant climbing roses, with a strong Old Rose fragrance.
This rose is a vigorous climber and produces an abundance of dark green foliage.
6. Compassion Rose
Compassion rose was bred by Jack L. Harkness in United Kingdom, before 1972.
| COLOR: Salmon-pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 5ft – 15ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Compassion roses are large with a ruffled bloom form.
These flowers contain many petals, around 40 petals per flower.
The plant itself grows strong, upright, and bushy with lots of dark green, semi-glossy foliage.
Compassion roses are capable of withstanding very hot weather, reaching up to as high as zone 11.
This makes the Compassion rose a great option for those living in extremely hot climates.
7. Guinee Rose
Guinee rose was bred by Charles Mallerin in France, before 1937.
| COLOR: Dark Red, Scarlet Highlights | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Tea Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft – 18ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The bloom form of the Guinee rose can be described as either flat or cupped.
It is one of the most fragrant climbing roses, with strong tea fragrance.
The branches of the Guinee plant grow tall and stiff. The leaves on the plant are dark green as well as the stems.
The Guinee rose will often bloom during the summer, with possible repeat blooms occurring later.
You can encourage further reblooming by providing your Guinee rose with added nutrients. Select a fertilizer that has a balanced NPK ratio and is tailored especially for roses. Apply this fertilizer once during the early spring and a second time as summer begins.
8. Rosy Mantle Rose
Rosy Mantle rose was bred by Alexander M. (Alec) Cocker in Scotland, in 1968.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 9ft – 10ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The flowers of the Rosy Mantle plant have a high-centered bloom form with a full petal count (26 to 40 petals).
These flowers bloom continuously throughout the season.
The shrub of the Rosy Mantle is bushy with an abundance of dark green foliage.
9. Zephirine Drouhin Rose
10. Leaping Salmon Rose
11. Madame Alfred Carriere Rose
Conclusion
Everyone wants to walk out into their garden and be able to enjoy the aroma of roses.
With a climbing rose variety, not only can you enjoy the fragrance roses provide, but also enjoy their undying beauty.
