A Guide to the Most Coveted Rose Varieties Throughout History
Few flowers carry the weight of symbolism, romance, and cultural prestige as the rose. Beyond its fragrance and beauty, the rose has been selectively bred and prized for millennia, producing varieties that captured the imagination of emperors, poets, gardeners, and collectors alike. Below is an Ellermann Flower Boutique guide to some of the most coveted rose varieties that have defined history and horticultural taste across centuries.
Ancient and Early Roses
Rosa gallica officinalis (“The Apothecary’s Rose”)
Era: Antiquity – Middle Ages
Origin: Central and Southern Europe
Significance: Used in medicine, perfumes, and religious ceremonies, this deep pink-to-red rose was among the first cultivated in Europe. It became symbolic of healing and purity, and was later associated with heraldry (notably the Wars of the Roses in England).
Rosa damascena (“Damask Rose”)
Era: Classical Antiquity – Medieval Period
Origin: Believed to have originated in the Middle East, introduced to Europe by the Crusaders.
Significance: Coveted for its intense fragrance and essential oil, the Damask rose became the foundation of the rose oil industry in Persia (modern-day Iran), Syria, and Bulgaria’s “Rose Valley.” Its perfume heritage remains unmatched.
Renaissance to Enlightenment
Rosa × alba (“White Rose of York”)
Era: 15th century onward
Origin: Hybrid of Rosa gallica and Rosa canina.
Significance: Symbol of purity and peace, famously emblematic of the House of York. Valued for its pale blossoms and its resilience in cooler climates, it represented nobility and refinement in early European gardens.
China Roses (Rosa chinensis)
Era: Introduced to Europe in the 18th century
Origin: China
Significance: Their repeat-blooming nature revolutionized rose breeding in Europe. Before their arrival, European roses typically bloomed once a year. China roses gave rise to modern hybrids, introducing new color ranges (including true reds) and extending blooming seasons.
The Golden Age of Rose Breeding (19th Century)
‘La France’
Introduced: 1867 by Jean-Baptiste Guillot in France
Type: The first hybrid tea rose
Significance: Marking the birth of the modern rose, ‘La France’ combined the perpetual blooming of China roses with the form and fragrance of European varieties. Its silvery pink petals and elegant shape made it the standard of modern rose aesthetics.
‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’
Introduced: 1843 by Jean Béluze in France
Type: Bourbon rose
Significance: Named after Empress Joséphine’s famed garden at Malmaison, it became one of the most romantic roses in cultivation. Its blush-pink, peony-like blooms were adored in Victorian gardens.
‘General Jacqueminot’
Introduced: 1853 by Roussel in France
Type: Hybrid perpetual
Significance: Known for its deep crimson blooms and powerful fragrance, it was one of the most popular cut roses of the 19th century, often associated with passion and romantic love.
Iconic 20th-Century Roses
‘Peace’ (Rosa ‘Madame A. Meilland’)
Introduced: 1945, bred by Francis Meilland in France
Type: Hybrid tea
Significance: Perhaps the most famous rose in modern history, ‘Peace’ was named to commemorate the end of World War II. Its large, yellow-to-pink blooms became symbols of hope and reconciliation, and it remains one of the most widely grown roses in the world.
‘Mister Lincoln’
Introduced: 1964 by Swim & Weeks in the U.S.
Type: Hybrid tea
Significance: A rich, velvety red rose with a strong fragrance, ‘Mister Lincoln’ became emblematic of the American rose ideal. Its regal presence made it a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements.
‘Double Delight’
Introduced: 1977 by Swim & Ellis in the U.S.
Type: Hybrid tea
Significance: Famous for its creamy petals edged in vibrant red and its heady fragrance, this variety is celebrated both for its visual drama and intense scent, making it a frequent show winner.
Contemporary Coveted Roses
‘Juliet’
Introduced: 2006 by David Austin in the UK
Type: English rose (modern hybrid)
Significance: Sometimes called “the £3 million rose” for its costly development, ‘Juliet’ has apricot-toned blooms with a perfect cupped form. Beloved in luxury weddings, it epitomizes the blend of old-world charm with modern breeding.
‘The Fairy’
Introduced: 1932 by Bentall in the UK
Type: Polyantha rose
Significance: A timeless small-flowered rose, ‘The Fairy’ produces masses of pink blossoms and is valued for its reliability and hardiness. It remains popular in cottage and landscape gardens worldwide.
Enduring Legacy
The rose’s journey—from ancient Persia’s perfumed gardens to the cutting-edge hybridization of the modern nursery trade—reflects shifting ideals of beauty, power, and emotion. Whether grown for fragrance, symbolism, or sheer ornamental splendor, each era’s most coveted varieties embody the cultural heartbeat of their time.
Today, collectors and breeders continue the pursuit: refining colors, intensifying fragrance, and creating roses that link us to history while pushing the bloom forward into new expressions of perfection.
