The International Rose Test Garden with more than 8,000 rosebushes, representing more than 400 varieties spreads across a hillside in Washington Park in terraced rows for easy access. Teas, miniatures, floribundas, and hybrid teas are separated by sculptural fountains and grouped by hue and even by theme; the Shakespeare Garden with roses from William’s works. A full sensory experience, sight and smell, thorns and all, the scent so strong you can taste it. 8000 plus bushes! Standing in the midst of that is like being part of a huge bouquet.
Consisting of 5.12-acres this is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the US. Established in 1917, an early goal was to provide protected space from the violence of W.W.I for roses developed in Europe. "City of Roses," is an official nickname without a city resolution as the appellation is so identified with the city it was decided that none was required. The garden was a natural outgrowth of that nickname, acquired during the first of the Portland Rose Society’s rose shows, held in a tent behind Pittock Mansion in 1888. Later 200-miles of rose lined streets, planted for the 1905 World’s Fair, reinforced the image.
The garden still receives roses from abroad for test, judged on a two-year cycle for shape of both bud and flower, color through out, scent, disease resistance, and novelty. Finalists are submitted to the All-American Rose Selections as candidates for Rose of the Year. The Gold Medal portion of the garden was established in 1969 to display these winners. While there are 24 test gardens nationally, Portland is the only North American city that can present global awards of merit.
Although the growing season in Portland is much longer, being in Plant Hardiness Map Zone 7/8, the best viewing is still during summer. Come in June and combine the visit with the month long Rose Festival.
And if the rose gardens themselves aren’t enough it may interest you to know that the most common postcard views of the city with Mt. Hood in the background are taken from this hillside.
The Park:
400 SW Kingston, 503-227-7033
Open: dawn to dark.
Admission: There is no fee to use this park.
Other Contacts: 503-823-PLAY or 503-823-2223v/tt, pkweb@ci.portland.or.us
Associated Features:
Washington Park Rose Garden Store is south of the parking area. A good source for all things rosy.
Open: 10am-6pm
Rose Garden Children‘s Park, a large Children’s play area.
Other Resources
Found in the fossil record as far back as 35 million years ago, and cultivated in China as long ago as 5000 years, the rose remains one of world‘s most popular plants.
Upcoming Rose Shows
The Rose Reference Database is a fully searchable database of over 7000 varieties.
Old Rose History & Synopsis is an in depth rose history.