Historic roses are timeless and beautiful old roses from past centuries which continue to deserve a place in today’s gardens, however large or small.

With their classic “old-fashioned” charm and graceful forms, the soft petals and delicate colours of old roses are often accompanied by a deliciously rich and powerful fragrance.

The Historic Roses Group is a friendly international group of rose enthusiasts,
run by volunteers and funded by subscriptions from our members throughout the world.

HRG publications

As well as the Historic Rose Journal, we have produced illustrated booklets by specialist writers on many aspects of historic roses.

Benefits of HRG membership

Benefits include tailor-made advice, day visits and workshops, and the opportunity to meet fellow rose lovers.

Join the HRG

It's easy for you to join online with an annual, five-year or lifetime subscription. Or you can pay by post if you prefer.

About the HRG

The aims of the Historic Roses Group are:

  • to encourage interest in timeless historic roses
  • to enable everyone to grow and enjoy roses of the past today
  • to explore the rich history of older roses and promote further research.

Top 10 starter roses

Are you new to old roses? Try our top 10  starter roses for their repeat-flowering, fragrance, beauty and disease-resistance.

A brief history of old roses

Find out more about the rose groups that have evolved to form the backbone of this popular garden flower.

Where to see historic roses in the UK

Here are some suggestions of gardens and national collections of historic roses that you can visit and admire.