Among the many reason to grow roses, their fragrance often comes in at the top of the list. Gardeners have a long and fragrant list from which to choose. Just a few of the fragrant forms include climbing roses, hybrid tea roses, miniature and hardy roses. The most fragrant roses are the wild species. Wild roses grow in a number of forms and do well in a range of zones, offering gardeners in a range of regions the opportunity to enjoy the fragrant plant.
Rosa “Elle” produces pink, orange-pink and orange blend double blooms, that very fragrant. In 1999, the hybrid tea rose was recognized by the All-America Rose Selection for its fragrance, according to Rose Gardening Made Easy. It grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 7 through 10 and is also highly resistant to black spot and mildew.
What hybrid tea roses lack in flower development, they make up for in fragrance. Two of the most popular fragrant hybrid tea roses are Rosa “Mister Lincoln” and Rosa “Will Rogers." The velvety red Mister Lincoln produces pointed, urn-shaped buds that illicit an intense, damask fragrance, according to North Carolina State University Extension. Mr. Lincoln grows well in zones 5 through 9.
For a sweet, fragrant rose, try Rosa “Sheer Bliss.” While it is a delicate rose that requires a bit of protection in the winter, its mild fragrance is worth the extra care that it needs. The plant typically performs well through zones 6.
In 2011, the All-America Rose Selection awarded Rosa “Dick Clark” rose as its top pick. The rose falls into the grandiflora class and produces black-red buds with a hint of cream and pink on its edges. It gives a cinnamon-spice scent from its long and elegant buds. Like Mr. Lincoln, the Dick Clark performs well in zones 5 through 9.