17 Hall of Fame Rose Winners to Grow This Season

Whether you’re an experienced rosarian or newly interested in the queen of flowers, Rose Hall of Fame winners provide a top-notch list of roses you can trust to perform. The World Federation of Rose Societies is made up of experts from 39 countries and inducts new roses into the Hall of Fame every three years.

Inductees represent the most outstanding introductions and time-tested favorites, as well as roses with notable genealogical significance in the rose world. When you choose a rose from the Hall of Fame list, you know that it’s been trialed in a variety of climates and assessed for bloom form, growth habit, disease resistance, fragrance, and overall performance.

While all of these roses are remarkable, there are differences between them. Some may thrive best in warm regions, while others are extraordinarily cold-hardy. Some fit a modern aesthetic while others have a rich history. Want to know which rose will fit best in your garden? Let’s get started!

‘Elina’

	botanical name Rosa ‘DICjana’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’ – 6’
	hardiness zones 6-10

Do you love yellow roses? Elegant ‘Elina’ is a soft creamy yellow that blooms nonstop through the season. While many yellow roses are particularly susceptible to pests and disease, ‘Elina’ remains a reliable performer.

Notable for sophisticated chiffon double blooms, the luminous yellow of ‘Elina’ fades into a delicate ivory. The color is versatile and goes well with everything. ‘Elina’s’ flowers are very large at nearly 6 inches across.

‘Elina’ has a decadent classic rose perfume best appreciated in warm climates. Excellent in bouquets, this hybrid tea is vigorous, sturdy, and will have you cutting armloads of flowers all summer!

‘Charles de Mills’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Charles de Mills’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’ – 5’
	hardiness zones 4-8

I have a major soft spot for Old Garden Roses. Beloved for centuries, these roses have been through and seen it all. Crowned “World’s Favorite Rose’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2009, Charles de Mills is from the Gallica class, the oldest known cultivated roses.

‘Charles’ is a particularly spectacular member of this group, with crimson to deep violet cupped blooms and an attractive button eye. Its fragrance is intense and enchanting. This rose grows fairly large, so you’ll want to place it at the back of the border or use it as a midsize hedge.

‘Charles’ blooms in one long showstopping flush in spring, producing more roses during this period than many do all summer. After blooming, pretty hips decorate the shrub and feed the birds for the rest of the season. A major plus: the canes are almost thornless!

‘Pascali’

	botanical name Rosa ‘LENip’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’ – 7’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Warm climate gardeners, this one’s for you. ‘Pascali’ has exposition-worthy high-centered rose blooms in snowy white. It can be maintained as a medium shrub or allowed to climb up to 7 feet tall.

‘Pascali’ is a robust bloomer, with a great spring show and smaller repeats all summer. It’s a favorite among white roses for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew, rust, and black spot.

Complemented beautifully by lush forest green foliage, ‘Pascali’ glows in the garden. With a refreshing light fragrance and long stems perfect for cutting, this one is waiting to become a centerpiece.

‘Peace’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Madame A. Meilland’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 4’ – 6’
	hardiness zones 4-9

‘Peace’ is a stunning multicolor rose with petals of light amber edged in shell pink. Its unique coloration and enduring performance have earned it a top spot in the heart of gardeners and the florist trade. 

Named to commemorate the end of World War II, this rose has a long list of international awards and gold medals. It makes a beautiful container specimen or a graceful focal point in a bed with pink perennials like foxgloves and dianthus.

‘Peace’ prefers full sun and doesn’t perform well in humid climates. For those with dry summers, this fruity-scented gem will be a standout.

‘Papa Meilland’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Papa Meilland’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’– 4’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Is fragrance a priority for you? ‘Papa Meilland’, with its intoxicating citrusy old rose fragrance, will win your heart. ‘Papa’ has deep, velvety-red rose petals and classically-formed hybrid tea blooms.

This rose has a long vase life and stems perfect for cutting. For the freshest bouquets, cut blooms right after the sepals (green leaves at the bud base) have opened and turned down. Recipients will think you’ve visited a local florist!

‘Papa’ has an upright growth habit and looks best when paired with pretty groundcovers like sedums or hardy geraniums. Give it some winter protection in cold climates.

‘Fragrant Cloud’

	botanical name Rosa ‘TANellis’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 3’ – 5’
	hardiness zones 7-10

‘Fragrant Cloud’ is named for its heavenly scent. A mix of spiced citrus, damask rose, and a note of marzipan will beckon all who come near. Voted “World’s Favorite Rose” in 1981, this variety continues to be a favorite for prize-winning perfume. 

While fragrance has earned its fame, the colors of ‘Fragrant Cloud’ are noteworthy too. It has vibrant, slightly smoky, coral-red blooms that are striking in the landscape. The foliage is a glossy deep green that plays well with other perennial shrubs, even when not in bloom.

Plant ‘Fragrant Cloud’ somewhere you can enjoy its luxurious scent and cut often for more flowers. It looks wonderful with other hot colors and will bloom profusely from spring through frost.

‘Ingrid Bergman’

	botanical name Rosa ‘POUlman’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 2’ – 4’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Looking for a spectacular red rose that won’t get too big? Compact ‘Ingrid Bergman’ boasts formal, deep crimson blooms on a tidy shrub. Named in honor of the Swedish Golden Era actress, this rose has plenty of sultry appeal.

Smothered in blooms all summer, ‘Ingrid’ has excellent disease resistance and bouquet-worthy form. This rose is low maintenance and perfect for a mixed border.

Try ‘Ingrid’ planted with dark purple salvia for a refined look, or pair it with lime green Lady’s Mantle for a bit more pop. This cinematic rose is naturally camera ready.

‘Just Joey’

	botanical name Rosa ‘CANjujo’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’ – 4’
	hardiness zones 7-11

‘Just Joey’ has the dreamy-scented ‘Fragrant Cloud’ as a parent, evident as soon as this rose’s pleasing apricot and tea aroma wafts through the garden. The blooms of ‘Joey’ are something special, too, with a ruffled, blousy form that slowly unfurls to show off delicate golden stamens.

 ‘Just Joey’ has coppery, coral-toned petals that fade to buff in the sun. They last well in bouquets. High flower production throughout the summer will keep you coming back for more.

‘Joey’, true to its hybrid tea nature, likes a bit of pampering to get established. Place it in full sun, prune it to maintain good airflow, and keep it well watered when newly planted. Soon, ‘Just Joey’ will be a garden favorite.

‘Iceberg’

	botanical name Rosa ‘KORbin
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’– 15’
	hardiness zones 5-11

Frosty ‘Iceberg’ is a stunner in a wide range of climates. A bloom machine that can stand up to heat and cold, this popular rose is often the first to bloom in early spring.

‘Iceberg’ can be allowed to grow as a climber up to 15 feet tall or pruned to remain a large bushy shrub. It has graceful, slender canes and exquisite blooms in clear cottony-white. A timeless choice for arbors and pergolas, this is a great first climbing rose for new growers.

Small ruffled flowers appear in great profusion all season long on this dependable rose. It has high resistance to diseases and doesn’t mind humidity. With abundant clusters of flowers and a sweet fragrance, ‘Iceberg’ is a crowd-pleaser.

‘Mutabilis’

	botanical name Rosa Chinensis ‘Mutabilis’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 6’ – 10’
	hardiness zones 7-10

‘Mutabilis’, meaning “liable to change”, is a fun rose to watch in the garden. It’s sometimes called “The Butterfly Rose” as the multicolored hues of its blooms make it look as if a flurry of butterflies have landed on the bush. The constantly-evolving, single flowers are beloved by pollinators.

This old China Rose was popularized worldwide by a Swiss Botanist after being spotted in an Italian garden in the late 19th century. In addition to being a Hall of Fame winner, ‘Mutabilis’ was designated the Earth-Kind Ⓡ Rose of the Year in 2005. It is a healthy, steady bloomer that can handle drought.

‘Mutabilis’ does pretty well in the shade, with slightly diminished bloom production. It’s certain to get attention with watercolor blooms in shades of pink, apricot, yellow, and crimson. Give this variety plenty of room to grow- it can reach up to 10 feet tall and wide!

‘Double Delight’

Scientific Name:

	botanical name Rosa ‘ANDeli’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’ – 5’
	hardiness zones 7-10

This white and cherry red rose is immediately recognizable among long-time rose fans. Well-known and loved since the 1980s, ‘Double Delight’ has long-lasting blooms and produces a good crop even in its first year.

Showy ‘Double Delight’ is unbothered by the hot sun and humidity. Red-edged ivory petals on a full upright shrub catch the eye from afar. In addition to good looks, this rose has a sweet and spicy clove fragrance.

This rose looks nice when used as a specimen plant in containers. Its ideal conditions are warm sunny days followed by cool nights. Plant in spring and enjoy a profusion of blooms throughout the warm months.

‘Old Blush’

	botanical name Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 5’ – 10’
	hardiness zones 6-10

An important ancestor of many modern roses, records indicate that ‘Old Blush’ has been cultivated in China for 1,000 years. Especially popular in Southern US gardens, this rose will bloom all year in mild climates.

Used to develop the reblooming roses we have today, ‘Old Blush’ still has relevance in modern gardens. It has medium pink to lilac semi-double blooms and milky centers that bloom steadily ‘til frost.

Carefree and prolific, ‘Old Blush’ can climb to 10 feet with support or be left to sprawl into a natural hedge. It’s fuss-free. Blooms have a light but delicious fruity scent. They don’t last long in arrangements. Instead, use this rose as a workhorse shrub that provides gorgeous color all season.

‘Bonica’

	botanical name Rosa ‘MEIdomonac’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 2’ – 5’
	hardiness zones 4-9

‘Bonica’ is one of the most widely planted roses of all time. It has a naturally bushy shrub form that looks great in the border and is covered in blooms throughout the summer. 

‘Bonica’ has a long list of awards to its name. It’s a sure thing in many climates. This is a rose you can count on to need little maintenance and keep blooming its head off. It has sweet clusters of small pink double roses cupped by slightly paler outer petals.

This is a great shrub for gardeners new to roses. Deadhead after each flush to keep the flowers coming, or let them wither on the bush to cue the development of pretty orange hips. Plant several to form a hedge and enjoy the light, pleasant scent.

‘Rosa Mundi’

	botanical name Rosa Gallica ‘Variegata’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’ – 4’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Rosa Mundi’, meaning “rose of the world” is a standout Gallica rose whose shell pink petals are striped with magenta. It’s a stylish antique with fragrance so lovely it inspired a Diptyque candle. Cultivated prior to 1543 in Europe, this rose is also featured in Jefferson’s gardens at Monticello

‘Mundi’ is beautiful and tough. It’s a misconception that old roses aren’t disease resistant. Not only does this rose have high pest and disease tolerance, it’s hardy down to -30 ℉!

While once-blooming, the bloom period lasts for nearly 6 weeks and often produces more flowers than repeat bloomers do during the entire season. You’ll soon look forward to the flush as an annual spring event.

Ancient ‘Rosa Mundi’ has an intriguing legend as an origin story involving King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the King’s mistress Rosamund. With captivating history, vigor, and spectacular scent, this rose is a must-have in my book!

‘New Dawn’

	botanical name Rosa ‘New Dawn’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 10’ – 15’
	hardiness zones 6-11

Silvery-pink ‘New Dawn’ is the romantic arbor-climbing rose of a modern fairy tale. The blush pink blooms appear in profusion on long arching canes. They appear from spring through frost.

‘New Dawn’ is perfect in a cottage garden and offers loads of charm. Its perfume is soft and fresh, inviting you to put your “nose to the rose”. Delicate as the blooms may be, the bush itself climbs up to 15 feet tall. Make sure you allow enough space for it to put on its ravishing show.

Disease-resistant and fast-growing, ‘New Dawn’ is a great choice if you want to cover a wall or fence in a blanket of flowers. Blooms don’t last long (not the best for cutting), but keep appearing in such profusion that you won’t mind!

‘Queen Elizabeth’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 4’ – 6’
	hardiness zones 6-11

‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a splendid honorific rose, and while many will plant it in remembrance of the English monarch, it has plenty to offer in any garden. This bubble gum pink beauty is known for its reliable bloom and unfussy habit.

A grandiflora, ‘Queen Elizabeth’, produces abundant clusters of large, pink flowers with gently waved petals. Its long stems, perfect for the vase, make it a natural choice for a cutting garden.

‘Queen Elizabeth’ is a bit leggy and looks best in the back of the border. Her proud stature and upright growth will show off the globular pink blooms and provide a distinctive backdrop for lower-growing perennials. Try pairing this rose with a row of lavender or native Agastache.

‘Cécile Brunner’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Cécile Brunner’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height shrub 3’-5, climber 15’-25’
	hardiness zones 4-11

‘Cécile Brunner’, also known as “The Sweetheart Rose”, is adorned with perfectly shaped, miniature, soft pink blooms on long arching stems. It’s one of the most beloved Old Garden Roses.

‘Cécile’ is most often grown as a climber. Its curved canes will grow up to 25 feet, transforming a structure into a dazzling display of little pink pompon flowers. This rose puts on rapid growth, only taking a year or two to climb an average garden arch.

‘Cécile’ is resilient in the shade and is known for growing a bit wild. If you have a large space, feel free to let it do its thing! It’s advertised as thornless, but most gardeners warn that gloves are a good idea when pruning this beauty, as it still has some prickles. ‘Cécile’ has a gentle musk and apple scent and makes adorable bouquets.