The Best Perfumed Roses

Antique, Heirloom, or Old-fashioned

• The original fragrant roses fell into several categories, among them the China, Alba, Cabbage, Bourbon, Centifolia, Damask, Gallica, moss, polyanthas and English varieties. Many of these roses were used extensively in making perfume because of their strong fragrances. The antique roses gave ground to newer types that made their appearance in 1867 with the introduction of La France, the first hybrid tea rose.

  Favorite named varieties of antique roses include Collette, Comte de Chambord, Cramoisi Superior, Deuil de Dr. Reynaud, Eugene de Beauharnais, La Reine Victoria, Harrisons Yellow and the wild Rugosa type.

Hybrid Teas

• The most popular of the fragrant newcomers are the hybrid tea roses. Elle, Memorial Day, Midas Touch, Sheer Bliss, Alec's Red, Bewitched and Etoile de Hollande are among the most common hybrid teas noted for their fragrances. The cultivars Apricot Nectar, Mr. Lincoln, Belinda's Rose, Chrysler Imperial, Double Delight, Fragrant Cloud, Gold Medal, Queen Elizabeth, Pristine and Blush Noisette are favorite hybrid tea roses among enthusiasts who would rather not drench their blossoms with chemical sprays. The roses in this group are resistant to rose diseases such as black spot and aphids.

Climbers

• Climbing roses were common among rose growers before the advent of hybridization. With the explosion in new varieties after 1867, several hybrid climbers were developed. Baronne Prevost, Cecile Brunner, Collette and 4th of July are regarded as being among the most fragrant in this category. The hybrid climbing roses America, Don Juan, Compassion and New Dawn require little care and no spraying against pests and diseases.

Miniatures

• Miniature roses were very popular during the Victorian Era but dropped in popularity over the years. They have regained favor among rose growers with smaller growing areas. Antique miniature roses were not known for their fragrance. Today's hybrid miniatures. such as Sun Sprinkles. can boast notable fragrance along with compactness and colorful blossoms.

Floribundas

• Floribundas got their name for their production of masses of blossoms While not as showy and spectacular as hybrid teas, the floribundas' profuse blooming makes them favorites for growers who want a continuous display of color with little trouble. Honey Perfume and Scentimental are the two cultivars most often cited for their fragrance.