Old Garden roses are the predecessors of today’s roses. Some date back to the time of the Roman Empire when they were revered for their beauty and fragrance. Rose petals were used liberally by the wealthy at celebrations. Rose perfume was coveted by the very rich. Old garden roses have a delicate beauty and wonderful perfume not often found in modern hybrid tea roses. They are a diverse group from the stately albas with wonderful fragrance and great winter hardiness to the tender and lovely tea roses best suited for warm climates. Old Garden Roses comprise a multifaceted group that in general are easy to grow, disease-resistant and winter-hardy with most providing fragrance for the garden and home.
