20+ Red Roses To Choose For Your Garden

Red roses are a timeless flower that has a special place in the hearts of gardeners worldwide.

Red roses meaning is classically attributed to romance and deep love, and with these 20+ red rose varieties, we’re certain you’ll fall in love instantly.

Let’s take a deep dive into 20+ of the most beautiful red rose varieties, as well as helpful tips and tricks on how to make them look their best.

1.    Veterans’ Honor Rose

Veteran’s Honor rose was bred by Dr. Keith W. Zary in the United States, in 1997.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Very Large	FRAGRANCE:  None To Mild, Raspberry Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 5ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The tall, upright branches of the Veteran’s Honor rose make this a perfect choice for cut flowers.

However, harvesting these dark red roses is more complicated than simply snipping the flower from its plant.

In order to properly harvest roses, first locate a bud eye, which is a small, outward-facing bump on the stem just above a leaf set.

Position your sterilized shears at a 45-degree angle and make a clean cut, about a quarter-inch above the bud eye.

Cutting at an angle helps water drain away from the bud eye, reducing the risk of premature stem rotting.

Immediately place the rose in a bucket of water to prevent it from drying out.

USDA growing zone: 6b and warmer.

2.    Roxanne Veranda Rose

Roxanne Veranda rose was bred by Tim Hermann Kordes in Germany, in 2003.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  No Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Roxanne Veranda rose is a compact plant, and therefore is able to be grown in containers.

Container roses can be very convenient, though they do require slight changes to their care routine.

First, it is of the utmost importance that you plant these roses in soil that is well-draining.

While most in-ground roses can tolerate poorer, clay soils, container roses do not have that luxury and require soil that can freely drain excess water.

Amend your soil by adding in sand or perlite to loosen the soil and increase drainage.

Secondly, do keep in mind that container roses will dry out faster than in-ground plants.

Keep a watchful eye on the moisture levels and ensure that your plant is hydrated.

A good rule of thumb is to water your roses when the first few inches of soil have dried out.

USDA growing zone: 5b through 9b.

3.    Botero Rose

Botero rose was bred by Alain Meilland in France, in 1999.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Very Large	FRAGRANCE:  Strong, Damask, Old Rose, Raspberry Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Botero rose often has a flush of blossoms in the spring or summer, with an occasional scattered blossom later in the season.

You’ll want to make sure this bloom is as prolific and abundant as possible, and for this reason, fertilization is key.

To fertilize roses, start in early spring when new growth begins to emerge.

Choose a balanced rose fertilizer with an equal NPK ratio.

Read the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to determine the recommended application rates as improper use of fertilizer can cause damage to the plant.

You may repeat the fertilization process 4 to 6 weeks later or just prior to when buds start to form.

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

4.    Brick House Rose

Brick House rose was bred by Alain Meilland in France, before 2015.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  None To Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Brick House rose may be classified as a floribunda rose, but its small size allows for container gardening.

Plant owners will be able to enjoy the abundant, prolific blooms of a floribunda plant but with the conveniences of container planting.

USDA growing zone: 5 through 11.

5.    Rouge Royale Rose

Rouge Royale rose Jacques Mouchotte in France, in 2000.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  Strong, Anise, Raspberry, Strawberry, Sweet Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 5ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Rouge Royale rose is well-known for its strong aroma.

We suggest placing these red roses in a walkway or an area where people congregate so they can all enjoy the beautiful old-fashioned rose scent from the Rouge Royale.

In fact, this particular rose variety is the winner of the 2003 Rose Hills International Rose Trials’ fragrance award.

USDA growing zone: 6b and warmer.

6.    Black Cherry Rose

Black Cherry rose was bred by Dr. Keith W. Zary in the United States, before 2004.

COLOR: Crimson	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  No Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 4ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Due to the Black Cherry’s complete lack of fragrance, we suggest planting these roses if you’re sensitive to the strong aroma of roses, yet still love the classic beauty of red roses.

While the Black Cherry rose is a very disease-resistant, we still implore gardeners to continue good cultural practices in order to completely eradicate the chance of any disease harming your roses.

Always be sure to avoid overhead watering whenever possible.

Water your plants as close to the base as you can and refrain from splashing the leaves with water.

Additionally, frequent pruning also maximizes airflow.

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

7.    Always & Forever Rose

Always & Forever rose was bred by Dr. Keith W. Zary in the United States, in 2011.

COLOR: Velvety Ruby Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 5½ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Always & Forever rose relies on full sunlight in order to thrive and produce abundant flushes of flowers through the season.

Aim for a goal of at least 6 hours of sunlight per day in order to make your Always & Forever plant happy.

Prior to planting, we suggest planning your garden by monitoring the locations of your landscape where you receive the most sunlight.

Full sun is necessary for this rose to grow tall and for the blooms to grow to their maximum size and yield.

USDA growing zone: 5a through 9b.

8.    Grateful Heart Rose

Grateful Heart rose was introduced in the United States by Jackson & Perkins Co. in 2017.

COLOR: Red, Lighter Reverse	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Mild, Spice Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 5ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Grateful Heart rose has amazing winter protection and is hardy to zones as low as zone 4a.

For this reason, we highly recommend the Grateful Heart if you live in climates that are privy to cold, frosty winters.

You can rest assured that your rose plant will be safe through the winter with this variety.

USDA growing zone: 4 through 9.

9.    Caracho Rose

Caracho rose was bred by W. Kordes & Sons in Germany, in 2010.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Caracho rose is extremely pollinator-friendly and can help attract pollinating insects to the garden.

Examples of such pollinators include butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds, etc.

Including pollinators in your garden helps facilitate the process of fertilization and overall improves the ecosystem of your garden- not just for the roses, but for all other plants in the vicinity.

10.  Brilliant Veranda Rose

Brilliant Veranda rose was bred by Tim Hermann Kordes in Germany, in 2000.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  None To Mild, Spice Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Brilliant Veranda is a small rose, which makes this rose variety ideal for pots.

Due to the pots’ limited size, potted roses tend to run out of nutrients faster than their in-ground counterparts.

For this reason, you will have to fertilize your roses more frequently in order to replenish their soil.

Using a balanced NPK fertilizer, we suggest fertilizing your roses every 4 to 6 weeks, beginning in the early spring just as new growth starts to emerge.

Continue this through the growing season and cease fertilizing once the blooming season has ended.

Refrain from fertilizing in the fall and winter as your rose plant begins to prepare for the dormant season.

USDA growing zone: 5b through 9b.

11.    Dark Desire Rose

COLOR: Violet – Red	BLOOM SIZE:    Large	FRAGRANCE:  Strong, Fruity, Honey, Myrrh Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4¼ ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Dark Desire rose has an arching growth habit that can be used to your advantage in order to train them as a climbing rose.

Red climbing roses are beautiful on walls, trellises, fences, or archways, and they are very easy to train!

If you intend on growing your Dark Desire roses as a climbing rose, then it is recommended to plant the rose about 1 to 2 feet away from the intended climbing structure to give the plant room for airflow.

Next, continue to fasten the branches of the plant to the climbing structure by securing it with twist ties or garden tape.

Continue this every 12 inches until the rose is able to climb on its own.

USDA growing zone: 5 through 9.

12.    Barkarole Rose

Barkarole rose was bred by Hans Jürgen Evers in Germany, before 1988.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Moderate Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 6ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Barkarole rose is quite tolerant to rain, which is excellent for those living in ecosystems that are privy to heavy rainfall.

However, this variety of rose can also be susceptible to mildew.

Related: How To Treat Powdery Mildew On Roses (DIY Tips)

In order to lessen the likelihood of mildew- especially in high-rain locations- we suggest regular pruning and spacing out your plants.

Doing so will increase the airflow between plants, therefore reducing the presence of mildew.

For Barkarole roses, you should space each plant 3 to 4 feet apart from one another to reduce crowding.

USDA growing zone: 6b and warmer.

13.    Black Baccara Rose

Black Baccara rose was bred by Jacques Mouchotte in France, before 2000.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  No Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 6ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Black Baccara rose is notable for its ability to stay alive for weeks after being cut- making this a top choice for vase arrangements.

Though Black Baccara roses live quite long on their own, there are some tips to making their stay even longer.

Frequently changing the water in the vase every 2-3 days will help clear out any bacteria build-up that could cause premature rotting.

Furthermore, it is best to use room-temperature water as roses absorb it more effectively.

If possible, use filtered or distilled water, as chemicals and minerals in tap water can affect the roses’ longevity.

USDA growing zone: 7b and warmer.

14.    Nadia Renaissance Rose

Nadia Renaissance rose was bred by L. Pernille Olesen and Mogens Nyegaard Olesen in Denmark, in 1996.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Medium	FRAGRANCE:  Moderate Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 4ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Nadia Renaissance rose is a versatile hybrid tea rose.

This rose has multiple purposes in the garden, such as being suitable for beds, borders, shrubs, or cut flower arrangements.

Its thornless branches make this a safe selection for areas that have high foot traffic.

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

15.    Firefighter Rose

Firefighter rose was bred by Joseph Orard in France, before 1998.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Strong, Fruity, Musk, Old Rose Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 5ft – 6ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Firefighter rose is very appropriately named due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and hardiness zones up to zone 10.

Where many rose varieties will wither in the blistering sun, the Firefighter rose will thrive.

Due to its thornless branches, the Firefighter rose is a safe choice for walkways or gardens that will be frequently visited by children and animals.

Feel free to safely handle these red roses without the risk of a painful thorn!

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

16.    Forever Yours Rose

Forever Yours rose was bred by Christian Evers in Germany, in 2008.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Moderate Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 4ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Forever Yours rose is an ideal rose for cut flowers to place in arrangements due to their aroma and upright stems.

However, if you really want your cut Forever Yours roses to remain “forever”, there are some tips to preserve your roses.

Gather a few roses together and tie their stems with a string or rubber band.

Hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Make sure there is enough space between each rose to allow air circulation.

Allow the roses to hang for several weeks until they are completely dry.

The drying time can vary depending on the humidity levels and the thickness of the petals.

Check the roses for dryness by gently touching the petals.

They should feel crisp and papery to the touch.

If they still feel soft or flexible, allow them more time to dry.

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

17.    Ketchup and Mustard Rose

Ketchup and Mustard rose was bred by Christian Bédard in the United States, before 2008.

COLOR: Red, Deep Yellow Reverse	BLOOM SIZE:  Medium To Large	FRAGRANCE:  Mild, Apple, Tea Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 5ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Ketchup and Mustard rose earns its quirky name from the red and yellow markings on its petals.

These red roses are best known for theier color combo, so of course you’ll want to give the plant meticulous care to ensure vibrant, voluptuous blossoms.

Provide your Ketchup and Mustard rose with well-draining soil that is rich in organic compost or manure.

This will provide the basic foundation for a nutrient-dense food source to maintain a strong plant.

Additionally, treat your plants twice a year (in spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer in order to encourage strong blooming.

USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.

18.    Dark Night Rose

Dark Night rose was bred by Alain Meilland in France, before 2008.

COLOR: Dark Red, Light Yellow Reverse	BLOOM SIZE:Large	FRAGRANCE:  None To Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 6ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The unique coloring of the Dark Night makes this a red rose unlike any other.

However, what is especially unique about the Dark Night is that it is capable of maintaining its deep maroon hue even in the blistering sun.

Many flowers tend to fade in color over time due to light exposure.

However, the Dark Night rose differs due to its tremendous ability to withstand heat and sun.

Plant the Dark Night roses in an area of the garden with abundant light and enjoy its beauty all season long.

USDA growing zone: 5 through 9.

19.    Kentucky Derby Rose

Kentucky Derby rose was bred by David L. Armstrong in the United States, in 1972.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 4ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Kentucky Derby rose has a strong preference for warm summers and brief winters.

It can be sensitive to frosty weather conditions and will certainly require overwintering in locations that experience snow.

To prepare a rose plant for winter, begin by pruning it in late fall.

Next, mound soil or mulch around the base of the plant. This helps insulate and prevent potential damage from freezing temperatures.

Additionally, covering the rose plant with burlap will shield it from harsh winter winds and frost.

Water the plant thoroughly before the ground freezes to ensure it is well-hydrated.

Throughout the winter, periodically check on the plant to ensure that it is adequately watered.

USDA growing zone:  7b and warmer.

20.    Bordeuax Rose

Bordeaux rose was bred by Tim Hermann Kordes in Germany, in 2004.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:   Mild, Apricot, Green Apple, Tea Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Bordeaux roses are floribunda roses, which are well known for producing massive yields of flowers throughout the season.

To maximize the number of flowers that your plant produces, we suggest deadheading the roses.

Deadheading is the act of pruning roses just as they begin to wilt in order to make way for newer growth.

To deadhead roses, locate the spent flower just above the first set of healthy, five-leaflet leaves.

Using sharp pruning shears or scissors, make a clean angled cut about a quarter of an inch above the leaf set, ensuring no to damage the neighboring buds.

USDA growing zone:  6a.

21.    Red Peace Rose

Red Peace rose was bred by Wilhelm J.H. Kordes in Germany, before 1950.

COLOR: Scarlet	BLOOM SIZE:   Large	FRAGRANCE:  Mild To Strong Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Red Peace rose has a preference for warmer climates and mild winters. Therefore spring freeze protection is necessary for Red Peace roses grown in cooler climates.

Spring freeze protection will help safeguard your rose plant’s new growth from frost that occurs in early to mid-spring.

Stay updated with your local weather on when the last expected frost date will be for your area.

We suggest refraining from pruning your plant until after all threats of frost have passed. 

USDA growing zone: 7b and warmer.

22.    Red Intuition Rose

Red Intuition rose was bred by Guy Delbard in France, in 1999.

COLOR: Red With Bright-Red Streaks	BLOOM SIZE:  Medium To Large	FRAGRANCE:  No Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 5¼ ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The growth habit of the Red Intuition rose plant is bushy and vigorous.

While these red roses have good resistance to disease, thick foliage can still heighten the likelihood of mildew-based diseases.

For this reason, yearly pruning is a necessity in order to increase airflow.

Pruning should be done once a year, either in the late winter or early spring depending on your frost schedule.

Start by pruning any dead/damaged branches before cutting away healthy growth.

Depending on how cold your climate is, you’ll need to prune at least 1/3 of the plant. Colder climates need to be pruned more.

USDA growing zone: 7b and warmer.

Conclusion

In a world of flowers, red roses stand out as a classic icon of love and beauty.

It’s a deep hue and velvety petals make it obvious why red roses have a special place in all of our hearts.

Owning red roses in your garden is an instant mood booster, and with these 22 red rose varieties, choosing a rose plant has never been easier.