Why don’t my roses smell good?

Portland is full of roses at this time of year! Have you purchased a home with roses in the yard but now you find that they don’t have that beautiful rosy fragrance??  You’re not crazy- some roses have strong fragrances, while some don’t.  In this short post, I’ll try to set your garden on the path to fragrance wonderland.

Jude The Obscure, bred by David Austin Roses: my favorite for fragrance and the whole reason I started growing roses!

As you visit local rose gardens, or your own yard, and rose fragrance is lackluster, you are not alone. Home gardeners choose roses based upon the features that are important to them, just like we do with houses.  While some home buyers may want a 2 car garage, some may not care at all.  Similarly, the previous owner may have chosen roses for qualities they prefer. These can include thornless, shape, color, hardiness…  not always fragrance.

Even within the subject of ‘fragrance’, you’ll find different types.  Myrrh, Old Rose, Tea, Fruit and Musk are typically the five different categories of fragrance.  The best way to determine what you like is, of course, to smell some roses, and take note!

The very first rose that I fell in love with was along a sidewalk where I frequently walked.  It smelled so good, people would stop and smell them, and remark upon it.  Finally I ran into the home owner, and they shared the name of the rose with me.  It was Jude the Obscure, bred by English breeder David Austin.  This started a pandemic-era deep dive into roses.   There was a time when I didn’t want to plant anything prickly in my garden, but these roses won me over. They’re worth it.

 

 

 

Princess Charlene de Monaco: ruffly petals, long stems great for bouquets and a lovely rose fragrance.

Want inspiration?

I’ve added a few photos below of a few of my favorite fragrant roses!  And guess what?  Many modern roses are bred to be very easy to grow.  With a a few simple tips you will be a success: most roses prefer at least 6 hours per day of sunlight, and an occasional deep watering once established.   Also, most rose farms and growers will offer resources to help your success right on their website.

A good few good resources are:  Heirloom Roses, Menagerie Flower Farm and David Austin Roses.  If you’re into flowers, you’ll want to know about Floret Flower Farm too, although they don’t sell roses, they have amazing resource pages, including blogs about roses.

 

 

When to buy roses

You’ll find the best selection of roses at your local nursery in the spring. Springtime, after chance of frost has passed, but before roses have put out their new growth is the best time to plant and let your plant get established before the hot months of summer.   Now is the perfect time to check out other gardens, do some research and pick your favorites for planting next spring.  Fall is also a good time to plant, at least 6 weeks before frost, to allow a new plant to get established before winter.

Wishing you a good Portland rose season- and some good bouquets from your future roses.

 

Travels the world & calls Portland home.

Dr. Nichols has a truly brilliant mind, a wonderful sense of humor, and is one of the most delightful clients I have had the joy of working with. Craig loves his work as the division chief for hematology/oncology and vice chair for cancer clinical research Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute. Dr. Nichols has served on the board of LIVESTRONG, which takes him all over the world, and the Oregon chapter of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. He is one of those people who is 100% on when he is working. His success is directly related to the fact that he gives his all to his work. As much as he loves people and the work he engages in, he comes home ready to indulge in some peace and quiet.

Craig and I were able to find him the perfect oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This gem abuts a protected wetland, affording him the quiet and tranquility he needs to recharge. The vaulted ceilings, open layout, skylights in almost every room, and spectacular garden beds were just what we were looking for. When we happened upon this 3 bedroom beauty, I knew we had our match. I’m so happy we were able to find Craig this one of a kind retreat. Only in Portland! Dr. Nichols, thank you for the honor of discovering this gorgeous refuge for you. Here’s to many meals hosted in your marvelous kitchen and toasts with rosé over plated delights grown in your garden.