Awarded Fragrant Roses

The All-America Rose Selections is a non-profit association of rose growers that judges and awards the top roses each year in the US. Among the many different classes, criteria and categories is the popular 'Most Fabulous Smell' category. All types of roses are eligible, including climbing roses, floribundas, tea roses, etc. Here we will discuss several famous and some recent winners of this coveted award.

Double Delight
This is a medium sized hybrid tea rose that won the award in 1977. It does well in zones 5 to 9. Double Delight has a spicy sweet scent, with most unusual blossoms. The center petals of the flower are white to pale pink which gradually increase in color intensity towards dark pink to burgundy on the outer petals.

Elle
This is a light pink, long stem hybrid tea rose with a sweet fruity smell. The individual bloom can be as large as 4 t 5 inches. Growing zone is the 7 to 10 range.

4th of July
Awarded in 1999 in the 'Most Fabulous Smell' category, it prefers a growing zone in the 5 - 9 range. This rose has the distinction of being the first winner in the climbing rose category since 1977. The arch and span of this climbing rose bush is very large, it can reach 10 to 14 feet in width. It is aptly named for its typical red and white bicolor blossoms.

Honey Perfume
This is a beautiful floribunda that likes the heat and grows well in zones 7 to 10. The unusual apricot yellow flowers are set off by rich dark green foliage. The plants grow 3 to 4 feet in height. The blossom has a wonderful spicy scent.

Memorial Day
Another hybrid tea rose and good for climates that are hot, in the 7 to 10 growing zones. The color is a lovely clear pink with just a touch of lavender. It has a classic old fashioned damask rose fragrance that will perfume an entire room. This is a good choice if you enjoy heavily scented roses.

Midas Touch
Another beautiful awarded hybrid tea, winter hardy to zone 5. This is a tall grower and can reach a height of 5 foot or more. It has bright golden yellow 4 inch blooms on long stems with a heavenly musky scent.

Mr. Lincoln
Another very fragrant and beautiful hybrid tea rose that is hardy to zone 4. This is a well known rose - almost everyone has heard the name. The bloom is of a rich deep red color is on stiff upright stems, which make it a perfect rose for cutting and display in your home.

Scentimental
An unusual pink and white or deep red and white striped floribunda rose with distinctive quilted foliage. It has a vigorous growing habit and will perform best in moderate temperatures from zones 6 to 9. The fragrance is strong, sweet and spicy.

Sheer Bliss
This is an elegant long stemmed hybrid tea rose of a creamy white color blushed with light baby pink. It has a mild and sweet scent. aroma with long stems. The plant grows about 3 feet tall with dark glossy foliage. Growing zones 5 to 10.

Sun Sprinkles
This is a miniature rose growing up to 2 feet tall which flower repeatedly all through the growing season. The double blossoms are of a bright rich yellow, displayed in large sprays. Does well in zones 6 -10 and has a musky sweet smell.

If you love the scent of roses, these are among the best. Most will grow well in all but the coldest climates. Even there, you should be able to grow fragrant roses with proper winter protection.