Top Scented Roses Recommended by Garden Designer Jo Thompson for Summer

Renowned garden designer Jo Thompson highlights the beauty of scented roses, describing them as essential for establishing “a romantic mood in gardens.” She notes how fragrance can evoke powerful memories and enhance the overall enjoyment of outdoor spaces. For instance, the sight and scent of the ‘Iceberg’ rose, flourishing in various environments, remind her of her mother’s garden in Australia, adorned with these elegant blooms. This nostalgic connection also inspired the name of her daughter, Eleanor-Rose, which is linked to historical significances.

Recently, Thompson earned a prestigious gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for her garden design collaboration with The Glasshouse, a nonprofit that aids women transitioning from prison. Her design included an array of highly fragrant roses, such as the deep crimson ‘Wild Rover’ and the luxurious ‘Tuscany Superb,’ complemented by the lavender ‘Emma Bridgewater.’ These roses create a vibrant spectrum of colors and scents, enhancing the garden’s atmosphere.

In her own Georgian cottage garden in East Sussex, Thompson emphasizes the role of scented roses, which are detailed in her latest publication, *The New Romantic Garden*. She effectively uses roses to delineate pathways and frame entrances, showcasing varieties such as the tumbling ‘Adélaïde d’Orléans.’ She remarks on roses’ versatility, noting their suitability not just for traditional gardens but also contemporary and wildlife gardens, especially single-flowered types that are beneficial for pollinators.

For optimal growth, Philip Harkness, a seasoned grower from Harkness 1879, recommends selecting sunny locations for planting scented roses. These plants thrive on at least six hours of sunlight daily, which is crucial for enhancing their fragrance and blooming capability. Ensure they have sufficient space to avoid fungal diseases by not planting them too close to other structures.

Roses flourish best in well-draining, rich soil. For those looking to improve their soil, mixing in compost or well-rotted manure can enhance fertility and drainage. If replacing old roses, it’s advisable to remove old soil to prevent disease and ensure better growth in new plantings.

Thompson also suggests user-friendly options for novice gardeners, such as the David Austin rose ‘Gertrude Jekyll,’ the classic R. ‘Ispahan,’ and the climbing rose ‘The Generous Gardener,’ which can adapt to partial shade. Other climbing varieties like ‘Madame Alfred Carriére’ and rambler rose ‘Félicitée-Perpétue’ also perform well under similar conditions, highlighting the adaptability of many English shrub roses.

To attract pollinators, Thompson refrains from using synthetic pesticides, instead trusting natural wildlife, like blue tits, to manage pests such as aphids. Observing roses in bloom during their season can aid in selecting the right variety based on visual and scent preferences. Roses can bloom from June to November, allowing gardeners to choose between different flower types and fragrances.

Even small outdoor spaces can benefit from the enchanting fragrance of roses through container gardening. A pot size of at least 45cm x 45cm is recommended to support the plants. Regular deadheading and appropriate seasonal pruning techniques are crucial to maintaining the health and bloom production of the roses.

Jo Thompson’s Top Nine Scented Roses

Harkness Rose ‘Chandos Beauty’

This award-winning hybrid tea shrub rose displays soft apricot blooms with a delightful spicy fragrance, ideal for garden beds and containers. Height: 1-1.5m.

Rosa Iceberg (‘Korbin’)

This classic floribunda rose, known for its clusters of white blooms with a subtle fragrance, is easy to cultivate in various garden settings. Height: 110cm.