The fragrance of roses is one of the main reasons gardeners choose these plants for their gardens

For many enthusiasts, it is the scent of roses that transforms gardening from a simple hobby into a true art. It has the power to create mood, evoke memories, and shape an atmosphere of comfort and calm. The most fragrant roses are valued not only for the beauty of their blooms but also for the special sensory experience they offer during flowering.

When choosing roses, gardeners increasingly pay attention not only to color or flower shape, but also to the intensity and character of the fragrance. This is why scent has become one of the key criteria when planning a garden.

Why Do Some Roses Smell Stronger Than Others?

The intensity of rose fragrance depends on several factors. First of all, it is determined by the natural characteristics of the plant itself. Many fragrant roses are the result of long-term breeding efforts aimed at preserving and enhancing scent in ornamental forms. In the past, especially among hybrid tea roses, fragrance was often sacrificed for perfect flower shape. Another important factor is growing conditions. Even a naturally fragrant rose will not fully reveal its potential without proper care.
Sunlight exposure, air temperature, soil composition, and nutrition all directly influence the production of essential oils, which are responsible for floral scent. Warm, sunny days encourage more active formation of these aromatic compounds.
Climate also plays a significant role. In the Baltic region, moderate temperatures and sufficient humidity allow roses to develop their fragrance in a balanced and consistent way. Growing conditions often determine which roses smell the strongest.

What Types of Fragrances Do Roses Have?

The aromatic palette of roses has long gone beyond the classic "rose" scent. Today, it includes dozens of nuances that can blend together, creating complex, multi-layered fragrance compositions. Experienced gardeners can often distinguish individual notes even within a single flower.

Before outlining the main fragrance groups, it is important to understand that one plant often combines several scent directions, forming a unique bouquet.

The most common rose fragrance types include:


  • classic "rose" scents — rich, sweet, and characteristic of old garden and Damask roses;
  • fruity and citrus notes — with hints of raspberry, apple, lemon, or orange;
  • tea and spicy aromas — light and fresh, sometimes with nuances of clove or pepper;
  • sweet scents — vanilla, honey, almond, or subtle resinous accents.
  • These combinations make the fragrance of each rose distinctive and easily recognizable.

The Most Fragrant Roses

When people talk about fragrant roses, they usually mean groups and types of roses capable of filling a garden with scent even when only a few flowers are in bloom. Such plants are especially valued when creating relaxation areas and garden pathways. It is important to note that fragrance intensity largely depends on growing conditions. Even roses with a naturally strong scent will not fully express it without a suitable location and attentive care.

  • Roses known for pronounced fragrance include:
  • old garden roses with a rich, classic scent;
  • hybrid tea roses with densely double or simple blooms;
  • shrub and park roses with peony-shaped flowers;
  • traditional garden roses with a stable and lasting aroma.
Among the fragrant roses featured in the Usmas Rozes catalog, examples include
Lilija with a rich citrus fragrance and green apple notes, as well as Tamāra with a fruity-spicy bouquet. These roses are appreciated for their stable and clearly perceptible scent throughout the flowering period.
Ērika also stands out with its expressive fruity aroma.
All roses with a strong fragrance can be found in our catalog using the filter available on the website.

Fragrant Roses for Latvia, Lithuania, and Other Baltic Countries — Which Types Grow Best?

The Baltic climate places specific demands on roses. Plants must have good winter hardiness and tolerate temperature fluctuations well. At the same time, many fragrant roses adapt successfully to these conditions if they are originally suited to a temperate climate.

The roses mentioned above perform well in the Baltic region, showing good disease resistance, stable flowering, and consistent fragrance from year to year. Choosing high-quality, well-acclimatized plants and preparing reliable winter protection play a crucial role in long-term success.

How to Care for Fragrant Roses to Enhance Their Scent

To understand which roses smell the strongest in your own garden, it is essential to follow basic care principles. The fragrance of roses is closely connected to the overall health of the plant and the conditions in which it grows. To intensify scent, roses require regular watering, balanced nutrition, and a sunny planting site protected from strong drafts but with good air circulation.
The soil should be fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral. Under such conditions, the root system develops properly, which positively affects plant health and fragrance intensity. Moderate pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots and promotes bud formation.

Mistakes That Reduce Rose Fragrance

Even roses with a naturally rich scent can lose their aroma over time due to care mistakes. Recognizing and correcting them in time helps preserve the plant’s natural fragrance intensity.

The most common reasons include:
  • lack of sufficient sunlight;
  • waterlogged soil;
  • excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowering;
  • absence of regular removal of spent blooms;
  • overall weakened plant condition.
Provide proper care for your roses, and your garden will be filled with a distinctive, lasting fragrance from June until the first frosts. Remember that roses with a strong scent are always the result of a successful balance between thoughtful breeding and attentive gardening.