Red roses: the 15 most romantic varieties

Frederike
Frederike
Frederike
Frederike

I am a student of agricultural sciences and a real country kid. At home, I love tending my small vegetable garden and spending time out in nature. When not outdoors, I love to write. Beyond gardening and writing, however, I am particularly passionate about wildlife.

Favourite fruit: currants and raspberries
Favourite vegetables: salsify, savoy cabbage and potatoes

Red roses are an absolute classic among flowers. Here, we present 15 beautiful red rose varieties that are sure to enchant everyone.

red rose bushes
There are no flowers as romantic as red roses [Photo: Matthewshutter/ Shutterstock.com]

Queen of flowers – the rose (Rosa) does not bear this name without reason, after all, hardly any other plant can match the majestic beauty and bright colour of its flower. Red roses in particular have always been fascinating and are a must in any garden with their elegant charm. However, the plant is also extremely popular in bouquets, table decorations or as a single cut flower because of its symbolic power. Unfortunately, even experienced gardeners can lose track of the countless varieties of red roses. So, to help you find the best red rose for your garden, we have gathered the 15 most beautiful and romantic varieties for you below. General information on the subject of roses can also be found here.

Roses are not only a tried and tested classic in the garden, they are among the most popular ornamental plants to this day. But do you actually know the symbolic meaning of the rose and what varieties are best suited for the garden? We have picked out the most romantic red rose varieties for you and tracked down their meaning.

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Symbolic meaning of red roses

Roses are commonly considered a sign of love and affection. However, what many people do not know is that depending on the colour, roses can have quite a different symbolic power. The bright red rose, however, remains the sign of passionate, even unconditional love, making it a great token of love, but one that should not be given away lightly. However, if it is a deep red, almost black rose, be careful – these roses represent mysticism and adventure, yet can also be associated with sadness, hatred or even death.

15. ‘Flammentanz®’ climbing rose

Here the translated name says it all: The ‘Flammentanz®’ or ‘dance of flames’ climbing rose captivates with its fiery red flowers and luminosity, which is sure to be an eye-cathcer in the garden. At the same time, this rose variety proves to be very frost-hardy and fast-growing – this climbing rose can grow up to 5 metres high in the right environment.

bright red roses
Flammentanz®’ boasts fiery red roses [Photo: Aksiniya Art/ Shutterstock.com]

14. ‘Lavaglut®’ bedding rose

Roses of the ‘Lavaglut® ‘or ‘lava glow’ variety live up to their name, especially in bright locations. With its velvety, dark red flowers, this fiery beauty immediately fascinates any onlooker. But not only do the great flowers and its extraordinary frost hardiness make this plant so popular – its strong scent of wild roses also ensures that the ‘Lavaglut®’ steals the minds of many.

many dark red roses
‘Lavaglut®’ immediatley captivates beholders with its velvety, dark red flowers [Photo: Aksiniya Art/ Shutterstock.com]

13. ‘Sympathie’ climbing rose

It is velvety dark red flowers, which add flair to pergolas, rose arches and facades – ensure that the ‘Sympathie’ climbing rose wins the hearts of many. Added to its distinctly beautiful wild rose fragrance, this beautiful plant instantly puts a smile on the face of anyone around. In addition, the ‘Sympathie’ is extremely weatherproof and has thus proven itself as a real all-rounder.

single red climbing rose
The red ‘Sympathy’ rose has a mesmerising fragrance [Photo: Iva Villi/ Shutterstock.com]

12. ‘Barkarole®’ garden rose

This is one of the top varieties when it comes to garden roses – and for good reason: the ‘Barkarole®’ leaves an impression from the very beginning with velvety, dark red flowers and gorgeous dark green foliage. In addition, the variety is considered to be extremely fast-growing and, being a repeat-flowering variety, shows its splendour until late autumn.

one dark red barkarole rose
Right from the start, ‘Barkarole®’ will win you over with its velvety, dark red flowers [Photo: Nefretite/ Shutterstock.com]

11. ‘Papa Meilland®’ garden rose

The strong scent of traditional rose mixed with a light touch of peach – the ‘Papa Meilland®’ brings a luscious odour to any garden. But the eyes also will not be disappointed by this fragrant rose: with its elegant, dark red flowers, the ‘Papa Meilland®’ is a true master of romance that can fill any flower bed with its charm. Since this rose is one of the more frequently blooming varieties, it will spoil your senses from June until September.

velvety red rose
Papa Meilland®’ is an adventure for the senses [Photo: Mikhail Pankov/ Shutterstock.com]

10. ‘Black Madonna®’ garden rose

A fairytale rose flower – the ‘Black Madonna®’ is a real eye-catcher. The contrast between its matte velvety red flowers and shiny dark red foliage makes this rose variety an eye-catcher. But the spiral shape of the petals is also a distinctive feature of the plant and makes it very popular for vase bouquets, among other things.

dark red rose from above
The spiralling petals are a unique feature of the ‘Black Madonna®’ [Photo: cristo95/ Shutterstock.com]

9. ‘Matador®’ groundcover rose

We usually know roses as a great solitary flower – but in fact the plant can be used wonderfully as ground cover. The ‘Matador®’ rose hybrid shows the way: As an uncomplicated, low shrub rose, it is ideal for adding greenery to larger beds quickly and easily. In addition, ‘Matador®’ dazzles with its bright red flower heads, which make the rose a real feast for the eyes.

bright red and open roses
A fancy choice of ground cover: The ‘Matador®’ rose [Photo: Elena Odareeva/ Shutterstock.com]

8. ‘Black Baccara®’ garden rose

This is considered one of the darkest roses in the world – the flowers of ‘Black Baccara®’ are coloured in such a deep Bordeaux red that they look almost black when backlit. Along with its velvety texture and flower shape, ‘Black Baccara®’ has proven to be a unique eye-catcher that makes an impression not only in borders but also as a cut rose.

rose with dark petals
The ‘Black Baccara®’ is said to be the darkest rose in the world [Photo: Krzysztof Dac/ Shutterstock.com]

7. ‘Austriana®’ bedding rose

Although the ‘Austriana®’ only produces single flowers, it easily competes with garden roses in terms of beauty. From June to October, this beautiful bedding rose captivates with bright red flowers that contrast greatly with yellow stamens. The ‘Austriana®’ is also suitable for ground cover, as it is only 40 to 60 centimetres in size.

red rose with yellow centre
Austriana®’ features a striking contrast between yellow and red [Photo: Harry Hykko/ Shutterstock.com]

6. ‘Terracotta®’ garden rose

Fed up with the same dark or crimson roses all the time? Then you should take a closer look at the ‘Terracotta®’ variety: With its unusual bronze-red flower colour, the rose is a real eye-catcher and quickly steals the show from the varieties in classic colours. At the same time, the foliage of the ‘Terracotta®’ is considered to be particularly disease resistant and the flowers last extremely long, making it ideal as a cut flower.

red and bronze coloured roses
With their unusual bronze colour, ‘Terracotta®’ roses are a real head-turner [Photo: Oliveshadow/ Shutterstock.com]

5. ‘Amadeus®’ climbing rose

Blood red roses remain one of the most beautiful garden plants a gardener could wish for. The ‘Amadeus®’ variety is probably one of the most interesting types of roses in this colour variatio. With its semi-double flowers and dark, highly glossy foliage, this climbing rose will make a splendid addition to any garden. At the same time, it is considered particularly hardy – neither mildew nor star rot affect this rose often.

red rose with many petals
The ‘Amadeus®’ rose grows into a real jewel of the garden [Photo: Manfred Ruckszio/ Shutterstock.com]

4. ‘Grandhotel®’ shrub rose

The ‘Grandhotel®’ is a true classic among shrub roses, and not without reason. This red perennial impresses gardeners again and again with its upright, slightly overbent growth and bright, densely filled flowers. However, the ‘Grandhotel®’ is particularly popular because of its low-maintenance requirements. Being heat-resistant, rainproof and blessed with good leaf health, the rose is also ideal for amateur gardeners.

single large red rose
Grandhotel®’ is a true classic among red rose shrubs [Photo: Johnnie Martin/ Shutterstock.com]

3. ‘Cherry Girl®’ bedding rose

Cherry red is indeed probably the most appropriate description when it comes to the colour of ‘Cherry Girl®’ flowers, as this rose shines with a nostalgic hue and lush bloom that catches everyone is eye. Fortunately, this pretty lady is not only beautiful to look at, but also shows other qualities. Thus, in 2007 it was awarded the title of ADR rose for its exceptional leaf health and is also appreciated by many for its pleasant smell.

pink rose with wide petals
Cherry Girl®’ glows in vintage hues [Photo: JuliaTrap/ Shutterstock.com]

2. ‘Baron Girod de l’Ain’ remontant rose

The ‘Baron Girod de l’Ain’ is a very special rose variety belonging to the historical remontant rose family and particularly inspires with its unique appearance. Thus, the rose not only has a densely filled flower, but also has two colours – while the petals are wrapped in a bright crimson, their edge is a brilliant white. In addition, the rose bewitches viewers with a wonderful fragrance and is considered extremely healthy and persistent.

red rose with white tips
Baron Girod de l’Ain’ displays not one but two colours [Photo: marinatakano/ Shutterstock.com]

1. ‘Gräfin Diana’®’ garden rose

Those who expect not only elegance but also a beguiling fragrance from a rose will certainly be satisfied with the ‘Gräfin Diana®’. The velvety flower is already a feast for the eyes, but it additionally enchants those around it with a beguiling fragrance especially in the morning and evening. Still, there’s no need to expect drama from this rose, the ‘Gräfin Diana’®’ is considered weather-resistant and has been awarded ADR status for its robust health.

elegant red rose
A treat for both your eyes and nose: ‘Gräfin Diana®’ [Photo: Andre Muller/ Shutterstock.com]

Still have not found the right rose for your garden? Do not worry: we have an even larger selection of rose species for you, here.

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