From coast to coast, America is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking rose gardens. Whether you’re a devoted gardener, a romantic at heart, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences among thousands of blooming roses.

Pacific Northwest

International Rose Test Garden – Portland, Oregon

Often called the “City of Roses,” Portland’s crown jewel features over 10,000 rose bushes representing 650 varieties. Established in 1917, this garden serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties while offering stunning views of Mount Hood. The Shakespeare Garden section features roses mentioned in the Bard’s works, while the Gold Medal Garden showcases award-winning varieties.

Best Time to Visit: June through September Special Features: Test plots for new varieties, city skyline views, free admission

Woodland Park Rose Garden – Seattle, Washington

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, this 2.5-acre garden contains nearly 5,000 rose bushes. The garden’s terraced design creates intimate spaces perfect for contemplation, while the surrounding Douglas firs provide a quintessentially Pacific Northwest backdrop.

Best Time to Visit: July through October Special Features: Historic pergola, wedding venue, Puget Sound views

California

Huntington Rose Garden – San Marino, California

Part of the renowned Huntington Library and Gardens, this 3-acre rose garden features over 1,200 varieties of roses, including many rare and historic specimens. The garden’s formal design includes a central fountain and geometric pathways that create perfect photo opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: April through June, October through November Special Features: Historic tea roses, research library, desert and Japanese gardens nearby

Morcom Rose Garden – Oakland, California

This Oakland gem showcases over 3,000 rose bushes in a natural amphitheater setting. The garden’s terraced design follows the hillside’s natural contours, creating a series of garden rooms each with its own character and microclimate.

Best Time to Visit: May through October Special Features: Amphitheater weddings, free admission, diverse rose collections

Mountain West

Denver Botanic Gardens Rose Garden – Denver, Colorado

High-altitude rose gardening at its finest, this collection proves that roses can thrive even at 5,280 feet. The garden features hardy varieties selected specifically for Colorado’s challenging climate, including many David Austin English roses and rugosa hybrids.

Best Time to Visit: June through September Special Features: High-altitude varieties, educational programs, sustainable gardening practices

Texas

Tyler Rose Garden – Tyler, Texas

Known as the “Rose Capital of America,” Tyler’s municipal rose garden spans 14 acres and features over 38,000 rose bushes representing 500 varieties. The garden serves as the backdrop for the annual Texas Rose Festival and includes both formal display areas and research plots.

Best Time to Visit: April through June, October through November Special Features: America’s largest municipal rose garden, rose festival, heritage roses

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Rose Garden – Fort Worth, Texas

This 2.5-acre garden features over 2,500 rose bushes arranged in both formal and naturalistic settings. The garden emphasizes heat-tolerant varieties that thrive in Texas’s challenging climate, making it an excellent resource for Southern gardeners.

Best Time to Visit: April through June, October through December Special Features: Heat-tolerant varieties, all-season color, educational workshops

Midwest

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Rose Garden – Chicago, Illinois

Located near Lincoln Park Zoo, this compact but impressive garden features over 100 varieties of roses selected for their ability to withstand Chicago’s harsh winters and humid summers. The garden emphasizes disease-resistant varieties and sustainable growing practices.

Best Time to Visit: June through September Special Features: Urban setting, educational focus, sustainable practices

Loose Park Rose Garden – Kansas City, Missouri

This 1.5-acre garden contains over 3,000 rose bushes representing 150 varieties. The garden’s formal design includes a central fountain and symmetrical beds, while the surrounding park offers additional recreational opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: May through October Special Features: Formal design, wedding photography, historic park setting

Northeast

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Rose Garden – Brooklyn, New York

The Cranford Rose Garden, established in 1928, features over 1,400 rose bushes representing nearly 230 varieties. This garden is particularly famous for its collection of climbing roses and its innovative approach to sustainable rose growing in an urban environment.

Best Time to Visit: June through October Special Features: Climbing rose collection, urban sustainability, cherry blossoms nearby

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden – Hartford, Connecticut

America’s first municipal rose garden, established in 1904, features over 15,000 rose bushes representing 800 varieties. The garden’s historic design includes formal beds, pergolas, and a rustic summerhouse, all maintained with period-appropriate techniques.

Best Time to Visit: June through September Special Features: Historic significance, heritage roses, Victorian design elements

Southeast

American Rose Center – Shreveport, Louisiana

Home to the American Rose Society, this 118-acre facility features over 20,000 rose bushes representing more than 400 varieties. The garden includes specialized areas for different rose types, research facilities, and educational programs.

Best Time to Visit: April through June, October through November Special Features: Research center, rose society headquarters, extensive variety collection

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Rose Garden – Athens, Georgia

This naturalistic rose garden emphasizes native and adapted varieties that thrive in Georgia’s climate. The garden features over 200 varieties of roses integrated into the broader landscape, creating a more natural and sustainable approach to rose gardening.

Best Time to Visit: April through June, September through November Special Features: Native plant focus, naturalistic design, educational programs

Mid-Atlantic

Hershey Gardens Rose Garden – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Part of the larger Hershey Gardens complex, this rose garden features over 3,500 rose bushes representing 275 varieties. The garden’s themed areas include a romantic arbor walk, formal display beds, and a children’s garden with miniature roses.

Best Time to Visit: June through September Special Features: Themed areas, family-friendly design, chocolate-themed elements

Planning Your Rose Garden Tour

Best Times to Visit

Most American rose gardens experience their peak bloom from late May through early July, with many varieties offering a second flush in early fall. Spring blooms tend to be more fragrant and longer-lasting, while fall blooms often display more intense colors.

What to Bring

• Camera for capturing blooms at their peak
• Notebook for recording favorite varieties
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle for longer visits

Photography Tips

• Visit during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting
• Bring a macro lens for close-up shots of individual blooms
• Consider the garden’s design when composing shots
• Respect garden rules about photography and staying on designated paths

Learning Opportunities

Many rose gardens offer educational programs, guided tours, and workshops on rose care and garden design. These programs provide valuable insights into successful rose growing techniques and help visitors make informed choices for their own gardens.

Supporting Rose Gardens

Most public rose gardens rely on donations, membership fees, and volunteer support. Consider becoming a member of your favorite gardens or volunteering your time to help maintain these beautiful spaces for future generations.

America’s rose gardens represent more than just beautiful landscapes—they’re living libraries of horticultural knowledge, testaments to human creativity, and sources of inspiration for gardeners everywhere. Whether you’re planning a cross-country rose garden tour or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon destination, these gardens offer something special for every visitor.

Each garden reflects its region’s unique climate, culture, and gardening traditions, making every visit a new discovery. From the formal elegance of East Coast gardens to the innovative sustainability practices of Western collections, America’s rose gardens continue to evolve while maintaining their timeless appeal.

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