Roses In Nebraska: What Grows Best, Where the Top Rose Gardens Are, and More!

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Updated: August 23, 2023
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Nebraska may be known as the “Cornhusker State” with its acres and acres of corn fields, but crops are not the only thing that grows well in the state. Flower gardens, including roses, can be grown in Nebraska and can produce beautiful blooms throughout the summer months. You do need to choose the right species and be prepared to prep and cover your roses to withstand the harsh winters, but there are hundreds of rose species that do just fine in the Great Plains. Several stunning rose gardens in Nebraska are proof that roses can not only survive in Nebraska but thrive as well. Read on to find out what grows best, where the top rose gardens are, and more!

What Roses Grow Best in Nebraska?

One of the best roses to grow in Nebraska is the shrub rose. Shrub roses are perfect for a backyard garden because they don’t require as much space as some sprawling climbing roses. They also come in varieties that are easy to care for. Many shrub roses are more disease resistant and hardy, making them a good fit to make it through the cold Nebraska winters.

What Varieties of Roses Grow Best in Nebraska?

There are several varieties of roses that do well in Nebraska. Buying rose bushes at your local garden shop or asking a local gardener is one of the best ways to find area-specific roses. With special planning you can grow hybrid tea roses, floribundas, and grandifloras but here are some easy-to-grow (and maintain) shrub roses that are well-suited for Nebraska:

  • Double Knock Out (Knock Out Roses): A classic red rose with a double flower that produces large, beautiful blooms. These are winter-hardy so a good fit for Nebraska, both southern and northern.
  • Grandma’s Blessing (Easy Elegance): To add a splash of pink to your garden try Grandma’s Blessing roses from Easy Elegance. They look remarkably like a hybrid tea rose, but they are much easier to care for.
  • April Moon (Dr. Griffith Buck Rose): The April Moon Rose was developed by Dr. Griffith Buck in Iowa so it is a nice fit for the similar climate of Nebraska. The April Moon rose has a soft yellow bloom that looks radiant with the crisp green foliage. The perfect rose to mix in a spring bouquet.
cluster of double red Knock-Out roses

Double Knock-Out roses are winter-hardy so they grow well in Nebraska.

©Jen Wolf/Shutterstock.com

What are the Top Rose Gardens in Nebraska?

There are several stunning rose gardens in Nebraska that are definitely worth a visit. If you are considering adding roses to your garden or you already have some and want to expand, touring a well-established rose garden can give you ideas on what type of roses you might want to grow. Some of the gardens have a wide range of roses like shrub roses, hybrid teas, miniatures, and climbing roses. All of the gardens dabble in a variety of colors like your classic red, pink-edged white, elegant coral, and lemon yellow.

A closeup of the vibrant orange-pink Peace rose, a hybrid tea rose

Hybrid tea roses are popular in Nebraska’s rose gardens.

©Alex Kinval/Shutterstock.com

Where are the Top Rose Gardens in Nebraska?

Here is where you will find a few of the top rose gardens in Nebraska:

  • Hamann Rose Garden (Lincoln, NE): The history of this beautiful garden goes back to the 1940s when gardeners tested 200 roses to see how they would do in the climate of Nebraska. Today there are 123 varieties of roses that not only survive but thrive in this garden. Don Hamann provided a generous donation to renovate the garden. You can see a fountain, pavilion, benches, and some spectacular art pieces. There is also a collection of Hydrangea and Peonies so bring your camera!
  • Memorial Park Rose Garden (Omaha, NE): This park has more than 1,000 rose bushes so you can imagine how it starts to transform every spring. Dedicated to the veterans of World War II there is a large memorial and statute commemorating their service. It is a recommended wedding site, especially for military weddings.
  • Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden at the Lauritzen Garden (Omaha, NE): Get ready for the first full bloom at the end of May in this spectacularly planned rose garden. There are more than 2,000 rose bushes including hybrid tea roses, grandiflora, floribunda, shrub roses, and climbing. Besides roses, there is a variety of colorful annuals and perennials. At the center of the garden is a large sundial sculpture created by artist Milt Heinrich, who is from Nebraska.

Are there Roses at the Henry Doorly Zoo?

Yes! The famous Henry Doorly Zoo not only has America’s largest indoor rainforest but it has the “Garden of the Senses”.  This garden is meant to provide something for all five senses! From chirping birds to the sweet smell of roses, herbs, and other flowers. There are more than 250 species of trees, herbs, perennials, and roses. Look for some of your favorites or ask a gardener about something new you may have never seen before.

Are there any Wild Roses in Nebraska?

While formal gardens are certainly beautiful and well-maintained, you might be surprised to find wild roses in Nebraska that return every year without any additional care. Most of their blooms are smaller single blooms but come in a variety of colors with pretty pinks and soft whites with yellow centers. Some of the wild roses in the Rosaceae Family that you might see in Nebraska include:

  • Prairie Rose
  • Swamp Rose, Marsh Rose
  • Dogs Rose
  • Multiflora Rose
  • Woods Rose, Common Wild Rose, Mountain Rose
  • Climbing Wild Rose
Beauty, Blossom, Botany, Climbing Rose, Close-up

The climbing wild rose grows well in Nebraska.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Brookgardener/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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