There’s a reason roses have been celebrated for centuries—they symbolize love, beauty, and even secrecy (yes, that’s what “sub rosa” means). Ancient civilizations adorned palaces with them, poets were endlessly inspired by their charm, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love receiving a bouquet of luxurious roses now and then?
But while a vase of roses is beautiful, nothing compares to the breathtaking experience of strolling through a magical rose garden. Imagine thousands of roses in full bloom, their vibrant colors stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether nestled in a royal estate or spread across the countryside, these enchanting gardens prove that when it comes to roses, more is always better.
At Ode à la Rose we’re all about flowers, from history to monumental beauty. We don’t just sell, but we adore them in every way. That’s why we compiled a list of the most magical rose gardens spread across the globe (and we’ll share a secret: it’s our own bucket list!)
What Makes a Magical Rose Garden So Beautiful?
Aside from the fact that you’re literally walking through a sea of roses, soaking in their magical fragrance and admiring all those dreamy petals? Yeah, that alone is pretty spectacular.
But the best magical rose gardens go beyond just flowers. They’re designed to make you feel something—whether it’s pure awe at towering archways covered in cascading blooms, or a sense of peace as you wander past rows of perfectly arranged luxurious flowers.
Some gardens go bold with dramatic colors (think 100 roses in deep velvety reds and bright sunset oranges), while others embrace the soft elegance of blush pinks and creamy whites. Add in some charming pathways, a few whimsical fountains, and maybe even a cute little gazebo, and boom—you’ve got yourself a floral paradise.
And let’s not forget the bees, butterflies, and occasional hopeless romantic scribbling poetry on a bench. They just add to the magic. So let’s check our list of the most magical rose gardens!
1. Butchart Gardens, Canada
Over a century ago, Jennie Butchart, the wife of a cement tycoon, stood in the middle of a barren limestone quarry and saw not desolation but potential.
While her husband was busy with the family’s industrial empire, Jennie had an artistic vision—she would transform the ugly remains of industry into a flourishing paradise. She hired Japan’s best garden designers, imported thousands of plant species, and spent decades planting luxurious flowers, from cascading roses to exotic shrubs.
Her first and most famous creation, the Sunken Garden, became a floral fantasy, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, 900+ rose varieties spill over the terraces, while charming fountains, secret paths, and picturesque viewpoints make this garden feel like stepping into a fairytale.
A true example of turning something forgotten into something unforgettable, Butchart Gardens remains one of Canada’s most iconic and breathtaking attractions.
- Year built: 1904
- Entrance fee: ~$38 CAD
2. International Rose Test Garden, USA
During World War I, the world feared that many European rose species would be wiped out. Enter Jesse A. Currey, a newspaper editor, passionate gardener, and true believer in floral preservation. He proposed the idea of a test garden in Portland, a city already known for its love of roses.
The plan was simple—create a safe space where 100 roses and more could thrive, away from the war-torn lands. The garden quickly became a sanctuary, saving countless varieties that might have otherwise vanished.
Today, it remains one of the most important research gardens in the world, testing new hybrid species for their beauty, fragrance, and disease resistance. With over 10,000 bushes spread across five separate gardens, including the Shakespeare Garden and the Royal Rosarian Garden, visitors can explore century-old favorites and experimental newcomers alike.
- Year built: 1917
- Entrance fee: Free
3. Mottisfont Abbey Garden, UK
Graham Stuart Thomas wasn’t just a gardener; he was a rose rescuer, historian, and artist. A celebrated horticulturist and writer, he believed that many old rose varieties were in danger of disappearing forever.
He made it his life’s work to collect and preserve them, and in 1972, he found the perfect place: Mottisfont Abbey, a historic estate with medieval roots.
With its ancient stone walls and wisteria-clad archways, the abbey provided an ethereal backdrop for his collection of historic roses, many of which had been nearly lost to time.
Today, visitors experience an overwhelming wave of scent as they stroll through the garden in June, with rare varieties like ‘Madame Hardy’ and ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ creating an unforgettable floral spectacle.
- Year built: 1972
- Entrance fee: ~£17
4. Bagatelle Rose Garden, France
This garden is the result of a bet between Queen Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law, the Count of Artois. The challenge? Build a château and gardens in just 64 days.
Against all odds, the Count succeeded, and the Bagatelle estate was born. But it wasn’t until landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier took over in 1905 that the garden became the rose paradise it is today.
With his expertise, he introduced over 1,200 varieties, carefully organizing them into signature floral displays. The garden quickly became a prestigious center for rose competitions, hosting an annual international event where breeders unveil the latest and rarest cultivars.
Today, visitors wander along gravel paths lined with carefully pruned rose arches, experiencing the intoxicating perfume of both heirloom and modern varieties.
- Year built: 1905
- Entrance fee: ~€6
5. Europa-Rosarium (Sangerhausen)
The Europa-Rosarium is a living museum. It was a vision to create the world’s largest rose collection and preserve the botanical legacy of the country, led by the German Rose Society (yes, Germans inspired romantic ideas).
Founded in 1903, this incredible garden has since grown into a floral empire, showcasing 8,600+ rose varieties from around the world. Early rose enthusiasts, botanists, and dedicated breeders worked tirelessly to cultivate and document rare and historic species, ensuring that the genetic diversity of roses would never be lost. Walking through the Europa-Rosarium is like traveling through time—each bloom tells a different story, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved flowers.
- Year built: 1903
- Entrance fee: ~€10
6. Castle Howard, United Kingdom
A grand English estate needs an equally grand magical rose garden, and Castle Howard delivers on both fronts. Built in the early 18th century, this stately home was the vision of Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, who sought to create one of England’s most impressive aristocratic estates.
While the house itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, its gardens—particularly the roses—elevate it to another level of beauty. The current rose garden was later developed as part of a restoration effort, bringing back the opulence that once defined the estate.
Featuring luxurious flowers in shades of deep crimson red, blush pink, and golden yellow, the garden’s intricate layout enhances the grandeur of the surrounding landscape. Today, visitors can walk through dozens of different roses climbing along historic stone walls, breathe in the sweet fragrance of centuries-old cultivars, and marvel at a setting that feels straight out of a classic English novel.
- Year built: 1701 (garden added later)
- Entrance fee: ~£15
7. Keisei Rose Garden, Japan
In Japan, gardening is more than a pastime—it’s an art form deeply rooted in culture and philosophy. When Keisei Rose Nursery founded this garden in 1959, they envisioned a space that would blend the best of Western roses with the delicate, mindful approach of Japanese garden design. The result is a breathtaking fusion of structure and softness, with 1,500 species of roses arranged in a way that harmonizes with the changing seasons.
Traditional stone pathways lead visitors through sweeping floral landscapes, while carefully placed water features add to the garden’s tranquility.
Unlike some European rose gardens that focus solely on abundance, Keisei’s design emphasizes balance—where every bloom, from the brightest hybrid tea roses to the most delicate old English varieties, is given space to shine. Visiting in spring or autumn is an unforgettable experience, as the garden bursts into full bloom, enveloping guests in a sea of luxurious flowers that symbolize beauty, transience, and renewal.
- Year built: 1959
- Entrance fee: ~¥1,200
8. Les Chemins de la Rose, France
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Les Chemins de la Rose is a love letter to the rose itself. Created by renowned French breeder François Dorieux, this garden wasn’t built to impress royalty or accompany a grand château—it was built out of sheer passion for roses and their endless variety. Dorieux, known for his work in hybridizing new and resilient rose species, dreamed of a place where visitors could walk among thousands of blooms and experience the full range of their beauty.
Today, with over 13,000 rose bushes, this countryside retreat feels like an open-air art gallery, where nature is the artist. The winding paths, wooden pergolas draped in 100 roses, and a mix of rare and modern varieties make this a sensory wonderland. Unlike highly structured formal gardens, Les Chemins de la Rose embraces a more natural, poetic aesthetic, allowing each majestic flower to shine in its own way.
- Year built: 1970
- Entrance fee: ~€8
9. Old Parliament House Gardens, Australia
A place where politics and petals meet, this historic garden surrounds Australia’s former seat of government in Canberra. Established in 1933, the Old Parliament House Gardens were designed to provide a sense of calm and beauty in the country’s political heart.
However, it was the dedication of landscape architects and horticulturists who maintained it over the decades that turned it into a magical rose garden. These gardens boast heritage roses, carefully preserved to ensure that Australia’s rich gardening history remains intact.
Many of the varieties here date back to the 19th century, with some coming from the gardens of early European settlers. Beyond being a floral retreat, the garden also serves as an outdoor museum, telling the story of how roses became an essential part of Australia’s botanical landscape.
- Year built: 1933
- Entrance fee: Free
10. Rome Rose Garden, Italy
Few places in the world combine ancient history and floral beauty as perfectly as the Rome Rose Garden. Situated on the Aventine Hill, this lush haven offers stunning views of the Colosseum, adding an air of timeless grandeur to its delicate floral displays.
But what makes this garden truly unique is its history.
Before it became a place of beauty, this land served as Rome’s Jewish cemetery for centuries. In 1931, Countess Mary Gailey Senni, an American who had fallen in love with Italy’s gardens, proposed transforming the space into a celebration of nature, while still respecting its historical significance. Today, over 1,100 varieties of roses bloom here, many of which are rare species from around the world. Some of the oldest roses in the garden were planted as tributes to loved ones, adding a deeply personal and emotional layer to this already stunning location.
- Year built: 1931
- Entrance fee: Free
11. White House Rose Garden, United States
This is no ordinary garden—it’s a front-row seat to history. The White House Rose Garden has been a symbol of American politics and diplomacy for over a century, hosting everything from presidential addresses to world-changing diplomatic announcements.
The garden was originally a simple flower bed, first designed in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson. However, in 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy reimagined it into the grand space we recognize today.
Her goal was to create a garden that reflected both American elegance and European tradition, resulting in a meticulously designed layout filled with luxurious flowers, perfectly trimmed hedges, and a carefully curated selection of roses. Over the decades, this garden has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in history, proving that flowers can be more than just decorative—they can be powerful symbols of peace, beauty, and political legacy.
- Year built: 1913 (redesigned in 1962)
- Entrance fee: Not open to the public
FAQs
1. What is the largest rose garden in the world?
The Europa-Rosarium in Sangerhausen, Germany is the largest rose garden on Earth, with over 8,600 varieties spread across 32 hectares of land. Established in 1903, this breathtaking garden serves as a living archive of rose history, featuring everything from ancient wild species to the latest hybrids.
2. When is the best time to visit rose gardens?
The best time to visit depends on the climate and the varieties grown, but rose gardens reach their peak in late spring to early summer—typically May to June in most regions. This is when petals are at their most vibrant, fragrances are at their strongest, and gardens are at their fullest. Some gardens, especially those in warmer climates, offer a second spectacular bloom in autumn, around September to October.
If you’re visiting a historic or test garden, you might even see rare varieties that bloom at unusual times of the year, making every visit a unique experience.
3. What is the oldest rose garden in the world?
One of the oldest known rose gardens is the Roseto di Monza in Italy, founded in 1860. However, if we’re talking about the longest-living cultivated rose, the Thousand-Year Rose in Hildesheim, Germany, holds the record. This incredible rose bush has been growing along the walls of Hildesheim Cathedral for over a thousand years, surviving wars, weather extremes, and even bombings during World War II. Its roots remained intact after the cathedral was partially destroyed, and it continues to bloom every year—a true testament to the resilience of nature.
4. Can I grow roses like those in famous gardens at home?
Absolutely! Many of the varieties found in world-famous gardens are available for home cultivation. The key is choosing roses suited to your climate and garden space. English roses thrive in cooler regions, while hybrid tea and floribunda varieties flourish in warmer climates. If space is limited, climbing roses or compact varieties in containers can still bring the charm of a grand rose garden to a small patio. Proper soil preparation, regular feeding, and strategic pruning will make all the difference in achieving those show-stopping blooms.
