Where to Find the Most Stunning Roses In Utah

Spring is in bloom, as they say, and with the shifting of the seasons, nature shifts into full gear. Late April into May is when the desert wildflowers start to bloom across much of the red rock canyons. Bulbs start to blossom in backyard gardens across much of the state and gardeners prepare for their spring planting. But what about roses in Utah, we know Utah is one of the driest states so do roses even grow in Utah? Can you find wild roses anywhere in Utah? What about Rose Gardens? Read on to learn where to find the most stunning roses in Utah!

What Kind of Roses Grow in Utah?

Much of Utah has a dry, semi-arid climate with varying weather conditions. Northern Utah is very different compared to Southern, but there are areas of Utah that can grow beautiful fragrant roses. Rose classification varies somewhat but there are typically three groups of roses. Modern roses are the ones you may be most accustomed to with large flowers that bloom throughout the season. Old Garden roses, sometimes called Antique roses, are those that were grown before 1867. These typically bloom once per season but are more fragrant than modern roses. Then there are Species, or Wild, roses. They are some of the hardiest and disease-resistant roses. All three types of roses can grow in Utah.

Where is the Best Rose Garden in Utah?

The best rose garden in Utah is the Sara J. McCarthy and Family Rose Garden. The rose garden is located within the Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City. The rose garden has roses from all the classes of roses that can grow in Utah. Some of the roses you will find in the garden include Species, Old Garden, and Modern roses. The China rose is a part of the collection but you will find that on the Floral Walk, not right in the rose garden. Within the rose garden, you can find red roses featured in the Martin Overlook and pink/blush roses in the Wedding Garden. The Ring Garden has a collection of roses with warm tones. Around the rose house, you will find beautiful white roses in various classes and sizes. Lastly, spend some time in Edna’s Garden where you will see carefully cared-for shrub roses. Remember that roses come in a variety of colors, textures, forms, and flower types and the Sara J. McCarthy and Family Rose Garden seeks to give visitors a taste (or smell) of them all!

Where can you Find Wild Roses in Utah?

Of course, you could start at Wild Rose Trailhead Park in North Salt Lake! The park has a loop hiking trail, pavilion, grills, a small amphitheater, and playground. You could certainly make a nice afternoon of hiking, looking for roses and other wildflowers followed by a nice picnic lunch.

Wild roses like the Wood’s Rose (Rosa woodsil) can be found in northern Utah as well as along streams and pine forests of southern Utah. Roses do need to maintain a certain level of hydration, but hardier wild roses have adapted to harsher conditions than you may expect!

According to the University of Utah, you can find wild roses in the northern Great Basin. The Great Basin includes most of Nevada and the western half of Utah. Not surprisingly, wild roses can thrive in a range of elevations. In Utah, you can find them between 3,500 to 11,500 feet in a variety of forest settings.

What Roses Can I Grow in My Garden in Utah?

If you want to find stunning roses right in your backyard there are a few great options for you. Do not be deterred by the reputation of rose gardening being difficult and only for experts. If you choose the right rose type and plant them in the right location you could be enjoying rose blooms all season long! You will have to decide if you prefer miniature roses, climbing (for a nice look on your trellis) or one of the shrub types. Of course, you can do all of them for a bit of variety. Going with a modern hybrid is a good choice because they can be some of the easiest to grow. You could start with those and then expand to try other species.

Wild roses that are good to grow in Utah include:

• Gallic
• Dog roses
• French
• Cherokee
• Redleaf

Old Garden or Antique roses that are good to grow in Utah include:

• Albas
• Centifolias
• Galliacs
• Mosses
• Damasks

Modern roses that are good to grow in Utah include:

• Hybrid teras
• Grandifloras
• Climbers
• Ramblers
• Floribundas

What is the Most Popular Rose in Utah?

The most popular rose in Utah is the Hybrid tea. These are the most widely grown in Utah and are popular because they bloom throughout the season and have vibrant blooms. One of the reasons they are so popular is because they are a lovely cut flower that can be added to any vase adorning your kitchen table or work-from-home desk. You do need to take care to be sure to cover them in the winter to protect them from the chilly winter weather in Utah. One of the favorite blooms is a white rose with a soft pink edging, beautiful for a dozen roses.

You also can’t overlook miniature roses, which do quite well in Utah! A new sub-class of miniature roses is called “Mini-flora” which represents some of the larger miniature roses. A whole shrub filled with bright pink blooms is really a sight to see. In general, miniature roses are hardier than full-size roses so don’t overlook these beauties if you want to find roses right in your own backyard!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © NOPPHARAT9889/Shutterstock.com