18 July 2019
In pictures: Kew's Rose Garden in bloom
Find out our top 5 roses to see this summer.
Roses have inspired us with their beautiful blooms for thousands of years.
The cultivation of the rose is believed to have begun in the middle east (Babylonia, Assyria and China) around 5,000 years ago.
The first garden roses were wild species selected for their beauty, scent and the quality of the rose oil they produced.
It wasn't until the 19th century that deliberate hybridisation of roses began, inspired by the introduction of cultivated roses from China. Breeders started to cross every available rose, which resulted in an abundance of varieties.
Our Rose Garden is flourishing with 170 different species and cultivars of rose. From the most fragrant to the most brightly coloured, here are the highlights to see this summer.
Rosa 'Port Sunlight'
In a beautiful shade of peach with a strong tea-like fragrance, these roses are a must-see.
Rosa 'Felicia'
See if you can spot these pretty pink buds with an aromatic, fruity fragrance.
Rosa 'Princess Anne'
You can't miss the striking colour of this rose. Its young flowers start off almost red and fade to a deep, rich pink.
Rosa 'Crown Princess Margareta'
Wander past these bold beauties. They have large apricot flowers with neatly arranged petals.
Rosa 'Tranquility'
For a classic English rose, look no further than this beauty. Keep an eye out for its pure white flowers and neat petals.
