10 white roses to grow (best varieties)

White roses are absolutely heavenly. These timeless flowers symbolize charm, eternal love, innocence, purity, reverence, secrecy, and youth. While there are hundreds of varieties of white rose plants available, here are ten of the most popular cultivars to grow in your garden.

1. White Knock Out rose

The White Knock Out rose is a must-have for any garden. Bred by Will Radler and introduced in 2009, this shrub rose stands out from the rest due to its unique contrast between pure white blooms and very dark green foliage. With minimal watering needed, this shrub rose is ideal for busy gardeners who don’t have time to devote to their plants every day. Plus, it blooms from spring through fall, maintaining a compact habit that won’t take over your garden or yard.

This variety of roses has earned multiple awards since its introduction. In 2011, it was awarded the Gold Medal award from Rose Hills Company International Rose Trials and in the 2017-2023 WUCOLS trials, it received the Blue Ribbon™ Winner for outstanding performance with low water use requirements. The White Knock Out is truly one of the most versatile roses available on the market today.

2. Iceberg rose

The Iceberg rose is a hybrid tea rose with pure white flowers that has been popular since its introduction by McGredy & Son in 1958. Its petals are creamy-white and double, giving it an elegant look that can be appreciated from afar or up close. It’s a low-growing shrub variety, growing to around 3 feet tall with long stems perfect for cut flower arrangements. The blooms have moderate fragrance and most often bloom in clusters of 2-3 flowers each, making them ideal for floral displays as well as garden beds.

This classic white rose is the perfect addition to any perennial flower bed or formal garden due to its bright white color and fragrant blooms. Rose lovers appreciate this variety because of its large single flowers, yellow stamens, and beautiful full bloom which makes it one of the most sought-after roses in the flower industry today.

3. Bolero rose

The Bolero rose is a Hybrid Tea (HT) variety of rose, introduced in 1998 by Meilland Intl. This particular flower is a blush white tone and has blooms that are mostly solitary. It is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and reaches an average height of four feet with a spread of three feet. The plants are disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and low maintenance – perfect for those who want beautiful roses without having to do too much work.

Bolero roses have long stems which make them great for cutting or displaying as part of your garden design. They also produce attractive foliage throughout the season and have an unmistakable sweet scent that will draw you into their beauty every time you pass by them. The flowers bloom from early summer until frost making it one of the longest-blooming varieties available today.

When planting Bolero roses, it’s important to choose a location with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight; six hours per day is ideal but they can tolerate some shade if needed. To ensure healthy growth, fertilize regularly using either organic compost or slow-release fertilizer formulated specifically for roses. Pruning should be done at least once per year after flowering has finished to keep plants looking neat and tidy while encouraging new growth each season.

Overall, Bolero roses are a great choice for anyone looking to add color and fragrance to their garden without spending all their free time tending to it. Their easy care requirements make them suitable even for novice gardeners while still providing stunning results that experienced green thumbs would appreciate too.

4. Desdemona rose

The Desdemona rose is a beautiful landscape shrub cultivar bred by David J. C. Austin for David Austin Roses Ltd., and introduced in 2015. Its blooms are full of blush-white petals, with a strong rose fragrance that will fill any garden or home with its delightful aroma. The flowers bloom in small clusters, making them an eye-catching addition to any landscape design or flower bed.

This versatile beauty can be planted as part of a mixed border, used as an edging plant along pathways and driveways, or grown as a specimen plant in the middle of your garden for maximum effect. It’s easy to care for – just give it plenty of sunshine and water during dry spells – so even novice gardeners can have success growing this stunning shrub. And since it has excellent disease resistance and cold hardiness, you won’t need to worry about pest infestations or winter damage ruining your efforts either.

Desdemona roses are perfect if you’re looking for something that will add blooms without requiring too much effort on your part; they’ll thrive with minimal pruning and maintenance while still providing plenty of visual interest throughout the year. Their long-lasting blooms make them ideal cut flowers when harvested at peak maturity, perfect for bouquets or adding some extra flair to table settings at dinner parties or special events. If you’re after a touch of sophistication in your garden without needing to expend too much energy, the Desdemona rose is an ideal choice.

6. Sally Holmes rose

The Sally Holmes rose is an incredibly popular and hardy variety of shrub rose. It was introduced by Fryer’s Nursery, Ltd. in 1976 and has since become a staple for gardeners all over North America. This beautiful plant features single-petaled, slightly frilly white flowers with a light scent that blooms in large clusters throughout the growing season.

The Sally Holmes Rose also produces lovely foliage throughout the summer months which adds texture and interest to any landscape design. The bright green leaves provide contrast against the vibrant white blossoms while providing shelter from harsh winds during winter time. Plus, this shrub can grow up to five feet tall so you can create height variation when designing your flower beds.

7. White Drift rose

The White Drift rose is a beautiful, low-growing shrub-like ground cover hybrid created by Conception Fonseca for Star Roses in 2015. This stunning plant produces very full clusters of small white flowers with no fragrance that look simply breathtaking in any garden setting. It’s an excellent choice for busy homeowners who want to create a showstopping landscape without spending hours tending to it every day. It’s also good for those with scent sensitivities.

This hardy rose variety can tolerate both cold winters and hot summers, making it suitable for most climates across North America. Its ability to thrive even in drought conditions makes the White Drift rose an ideal choice for those living in dryer regions or facing water restrictions due to climate change. The best part? This flower offers an extended period of blooming, from spring through autumn, so you can admire its stunning petals for a long time.

White Drift roses are also incredibly easy to care for – they require minimal pruning and fertilizing throughout the season and are resistant to common diseases like black spot, mildew, rust, etc., so you won’t need special tools or treatments if something goes wrong. Plus, this plant grows quickly but doesn’t get too large (it typically reaches up 2 feet tall), which means it won’t grow too tall and block other plants.

8. Claire Austin rose

The Claire Austin rose is an incredibly popular shrub-landscape cultivar from David Austin roses. Introduced in 2008, this rose variety is an excellent selection for those who desire a colorful garden without having to be concerned about scent or upkeep.

Claire Austin roses are a great choice for inexperienced gardeners, being hardy and undemanding in most climates. They require minimal pruning and can be planted in full sun or partial shade areas of your yard, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right spot either. Plus, they’re disease-resistant and drought-tolerant – two great features that make them low-maintenance plants even when faced with tough weather conditions.

These white roses bloom from spring until fall, providing months of vibrant beauty that will enhance any outdoor space. The flowers are cup-shaped with circling petals. If you want something truly unique, try planting several different varieties together; this will create a stunning display of color and texture throughout your garden.

When it comes time for planting these beauties, there’s no need to stress over soil type or pH levels – as long as it is well drained and not too acidic or alkaline then Claire Austin roses should do just fine. Just remember to water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering since too much moisture can cause root rot problems. Finally, give your plants plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) for best results; happy healthy plants mean lots more beautiful blooms all season long.

9. Sugar Moon rose

The Sugar Moon rose is an exquisite hybrid tea (HT) variety, bred by Christian Bedard for Weeks Roses and introduced in 2012. Its flowers are full and white with a strong fragrance that will delight your senses. The blooms occur mostly as solitary flowers, making them perfect for any garden or bouquet.

This white rose variety is sure to make your garden stand out from the rest. It has good disease resistance, so you won’t have to worry about treating it often like some other roses require. The stems are sturdy and can support the weight of its large blooms without needing extra help from supports or stakes. You’ll also be happy to know that this type of rose doesn’t need pruning very often; just once a year should do the trick.

When planting Sugar Moon roses, make sure they get plenty of sun – six hours per day should suffice. Morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun in hotter climates. Allow the roses to stretch their legs, providing two square feet of room per plant for optimal growth.

If you’re looking for something special in your garden that requires minimal maintenance yet offers maximum beauty, then look no further than the Sugar Moon Rose. This stunning flower has all the features needed to create a show-stopping display while still being easy on upkeep; what more could you ask for? With its fragrant blooms and hearty constitution, this lovely flower will bring joy into any landscape all season long.

10. Pope John Paul II rose

The Pope John Paul II rose is a Hybrid Tea (HT) variety introduced by Jackson & Perkins in 2007. Their fragrant, full white petals make the Pope John Paul II rose an eye-catching addition to any garden or arrangement. This special flower can be cultivated singularly or as part of a display, making it an optimal pick for those seeking to liven up their garden without having to expend too much effort into its maintenance.

These beautiful roses have a bushy habit and reach heights of around 4-5 feet tall when fully mature, producing blooms throughout the spring and summer months until early autumn if cared for properly. The buds open to reveal large clusters of ruffled petals which give off a sweet scent that attracts bees and other pollinators into your garden. The foliage is also attractive, with glossy green leaves that contrast nicely against the pure white blooms; they even turn yellow during fall before dropping off at winter’s approach.

Pope John Paul II roses require minimal care but do need some attention in order to thrive: they should be planted in well-draining soil in areas with plenty of sun exposure and watered regularly throughout the growing season so as not to dry out completely between waterings. Pruning should be done lightly after flowering has finished each year; deadheading spent blossoms will help encourage new growth while removing any weak stems or diseased branches will keep plants healthy over time. Finally, fertilizing every few weeks during peak growing season helps promote lush foliage and more abundant blooms come springtime.

11. Lichfield Angel rose

The Lichfield Angel rose is a stunning shrub-landscape (S) variety of rose, introduced by David Austin Roses, Ltd. in 2006. This blush white flower has a slight scent and blooms in small clusters that will make any garden look like an angelic paradise. With its delicate petals and beautiful form, this bloom adds a graceful touch to any outdoor space.

This rose can be grown as part of a bedding display or used for landscaping larger areas – perfect for homeowners looking to add some old-fashioned charm to their gardens. The Lichfield Angel also makes for great cut flowers with its long stems and lasting beauty when arranged indoors. Its sweet aroma adds an extra special something that’s sure to wow your guests.

FAQs about the best white rose varieties

Before you go…

White rose varieties are a beautiful addition to any garden. Whether you choose the classic White Knock Out, the fragrant Iceberg or Bolero roses, or one of the many other options such as Desdemona, Sally Holmes, and White Drift roses, there is sure to be a white rose variety that will bring charm and beauty to your outdoor space. With careful selection and care these white rose varieties can provide years of pleasure for all who admire them.

Resources

• When to plant roses?
• Planting bare root roses successfully
• When to prune roses?
• Rose fertilizer basics, tips, & options
• How to care for roses?

References

• Kukielski, P. E. (2015). Roses Without Chemicals. Timber Press.
• Rountree, N. J. (2017). Growing Roses in the Pacific Northwest. Sasquatch Books.
• Hassinger, E. (2023, February 23). 16 Popular Types of Roses to Beautify Your Garden. Country Living. https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g32146642/roses-types/
• Mendelsohn, H. (2023, January 21). The Most Popular Rose Colors and What They Mean for Every Occasion. House Beautiful. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g35386786/rose-color-meaning/