White roses: the 15 most beautiful white rose varieties

A white rose is a symbol of purity and grace. Here, we introduce the best of the best – from pure white to cream.

Roses (Rosa) are enchanting and have been associated with nobility for time immemorial. But to add a touch of royal grace to your garden, look no further than the white rose. Ranging from bright white to noble cream, white roses have delicate colours that brighten any garden. Roses of all shades have been cultivated for millennia; but the white Rose of York (Rosa x alba) is said to have been a favourite of the Romans and its charming white blossoms are still recognised today. With so many varieties however, it is hard to know which to pick! Here are 15 of our favourites – perfect for rose-experts and beginners alike to add a little style to their gardens! Read on to see if one takes your fancy.

White roses: meaning

Symbolising love, faithfulness and innocence, white roses adorn many a modern wedding. But this is nothing new. In the Middle Ages, white roses were associated with the Virgin Mary, becoming a synonym of her virtues. They are a sign of peace, a message of farewell and a symbol of death. Remember: never give a bouquet of white roses to a sick friend! A well-intended present will quickly turn into an embarrassing faux pas.

1. White shrub rose ‘Iceberg®’

The shrub rose Iceberg® is a classic. Cultivated in the 1950s, this beautiful perennial has lost none of its appeal. With enchanting, pure white flowers that blossom continuously until the first frost, the Iceberg® is perfect for a dreamy garden corner.

2. White climbing rose ‘Penny Lane®’

With lush green foliage that winds elegantly around rose arches and pergolas, the Penny Lane® is truly an impressive climbing rose. Unique, champagne-coloured flowers; ruffled-petals that blossom well into autumn – rose lovers will be smitten!

3. White hybrid tea rose ‘Annapurna®’

White hybrid tea roses are quite rare – especially when they are as bright as the Annapurna®. Timeless and long-lasting, Annapurna® roses have an irresistible honey and citrus fragrance. Garden lovers will be hard-pressed to walk past this rose without a quick smell.

4. White English Rose ‘Winchester Cathedral®’

The noble Winchester Cathedral® rose is guaranteed to delight with its unique charm. This English variety marries beauty with low-maintenance; a truly captivating flower with large, white petals, pink buds and dark foliage. And what is more, the rose spreads its intense fragrance, reminiscent of milk and almonds, across the whole garden.

5. White floribunda rose ‘Garden of Roses®’

Want some white roses in your garden but hardly have the space? Look no further! The floribunda rose Garden of Roses® is fine even in a pot. Its stunning flowers melt with cream and white or pastel pink and white, and are not susceptible to disease. What more could you ask for!

6. White climbing rose ‘Guirlande d’Amour®’

The Guirlande d’Amour® is a beautiful, romantic climbing rose. With lush flowers and an alluring fragrance, it is guaranteed to make an impression. Bright white petals, loose and doubled, provide a welcome contrast to dark green foliage. The “garland of love” is easy to grow and well worth a try.

7. White shrub rose ‘Artemis®’

With ball-shaped flowers and an intriguing, anise-like scent, the Artemis® rose is a delight. Happy as a solitary plant or as a bush, the rose has a way of brightening its surroundings with cream-coloured, nostalgic charm. Thanks to its healthy leaves and robust nature, this rose is ideal for beginners.

8. White climbing rose ‘Bobbie James®’

Almost no other variety bears such an abundance of flowers as the Bobbie James® rose. And with all that blossom comes a wonderfully intense fragrance. After its flowering ends in autumn, you can look forward to healthy, grey-green leaves and red rose hips.

9. White floribunda rose ‘Pastella®’

You will be unsurprised to hear that the Pastella® variety is best known for its delicate, pastel colours. Its excellent leaves and double flowers, subtly bordered with pink, look like something from a fairy tale. Working well as a companion plant, this rose adds a subtle fragrance and an abundance of flowers to any garden.

10. White hybrid tea rose ‘Madame Anisette®’

For fragrance, nothing comes close to Madame Anisette®. Its intense aroma – a mix of lovage, myrrh and anise – is beguiling, and has won the flower several awards. With dense, cream-coloured double petals, excellent leaf health and a robust nature, this hybrid tea rose is in a class of its own.

11. White floribunda rose ‘Lions-Rose®’

The Lions-Rose® is nostalgic but not old-fashioned. It has large, double flowers, cream petals that touch pink in blossom, dark green foliage and a subtle fragrance. Moreover, this white rose, which blossoms several times a year, is exceptionally robust and known for its excellent leaf health.

12. White hybrid tea rose ‘Francis Meilland®’

The Francis Meilland® rose is staggeringly beautiful. With delicate, double flowers and an intense fragrance, this white hybrid tea rose is a stunning addition to any garden. Imagine salmon petals, edged with cream or white, and exceptional leaf health. There is a little room in your garden, right?

13. White floribunda rose ‘Aspirin®’

Although the Aspirin® won’t help your headache, it can turn your garden into a space of tranquillity. It is a robust rose with healthy, feathery leaves and shiny white flowers that turn pink in cooler temperatures. You can even grow it in a pot. And in case you are wondering, it is named after aspirin’s (medication) 100^th birthday!

14. White ground cover rose ‘Innocencia®’

The Innocencia® rose is beautiful, robust, and full of flowers. So it will come as no surprise that this variety has won prizes at several rose shows. Growing 40 to 60 centimetres in height, Innocencia® has a subtle fragrance, pure white flowers and yellow stamens. Often found in parks, this variety is perfect ground-cover.

15. White floribunda rose ‘Sirius®’

The Sirius® rose is our number one! With so many good qualities, it is hard to list them all. This stunning rose is winterproof, robust, has extremely healthy leaves, and need not be thinned, unlike other varieties, as it will take care of itself. What is more, it is covered in flowers! Apricot-coloured petals are edged cream or white and its scent is a delight. If you can, find some space!

Still unsure which rose is right for you? Have no fear – there are plenty more rose varieties to see. Take a look!