A Guide to the World’s Royal Rose Gardens
For centuries, roses have symbolized love, beauty, and nobility — and where better to experience their grandeur than in royal rose gardens? These meticulously curated sanctuaries offer not just floral splendor, but also a glimpse into the history, culture, and horticultural traditions of royal families across the globe.
🇬🇧 Queen Mary’s Rose Garden — Regent’s Park, London, England
Established: 1932
Highlights:
Named after Queen Mary, the wife of King George V.
Over 12,000 roses and 85+ varieties.
Features include the iconic Royal Parks’ Standard Rose and a circular rose garden framed by pergolas.
Best time to visit: June.
Royal Vibe: Classic British elegance, with formal layouts and romantic pergola walks.
🇫🇷 La Roseraie du Val-de-Marne — L’Haÿ-les-Roses, France
Established: 1894
Highlights:
Not a royal garden per se, but endorsed and visited by French aristocracy.
One of the oldest rose gardens in the world.
Home to 3,200+ rose varieties from around the globe.
Royal Vibe: Belle Époque sophistication with a historical passion for preservation.
🇮🇳 Mughal Gardens (Amrit Udyan) — Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India
Established: 1929
Highlights:
Designed by Edwin Lutyens for the British Viceroy, now the residence of the Indian President.
Includes a beautiful rose garden section with over 250+ varieties.
Blends Mughal, Persian, and British landscaping traditions.
Royal Vibe: Grand symmetry meets fragrant opulence in a fusion of East and West.
🇯🇵 Kaiserin-Auguste-Victoria Rosengarten — Kōraku-en Garden, Okayama, Japan
Established: Originally 1700s, rose garden additions in 20th century
Highlights:
Japanese gardens rarely focus on roses, but this royal stroll garden includes a Western-style rose section.
Symbol of international friendship and diplomacy.
Royal Vibe: Harmonious balance between serene Japanese tradition and European floral charm.
🇪🇸 Rosaleda del Parque del Oeste — Madrid, Spain
Established: 1956
Highlights:
Features an annual International Rose Competition supported by the Spanish monarchy.
Over 20,000 rose bushes, with many rare and international hybrids.
Royal Vibe: Sun-drenched, colorful, and artistically arranged — a celebration of floral artistry.
🇺🇸 White House Rose Garden — Washington D.C., USA (Honorable Mention)
Established: 1913 (revamped multiple times)
Highlights:
Though not “royal,” it has hosted kings, queens, presidents, and prime ministers.
Famous for its elegant layout and hybrid tea roses.
Royal Vibe: A symbol of democratic power with aristocratic flair.
🌍 Bonus: Royal Rosarians Garden — Portland, Oregon, USA
Maintained by Portland’s ceremonial “Royal Rosarians.”
Located in the International Rose Test Garden with 10,000+ plantings.
Reflects a unique civic “royalty” that celebrates the rose as city ambassador.
Travel Tips for Royal Rose Lovers
Timing is everything – Most roses bloom late spring through early summer.
Join a garden tour – Royal grounds often offer guided walks rich in history.
Check access rules – Some areas may be closed for official events or renovations.
Bring a camera and journal – Documenting these gardens is half the joy!