Rose Festival

You are here: > > Rose Festival

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the glorious colours and scents of roses – plants that bring beauty, joy and timeless elegance to any garden.

The next event in our 2026 plant festival series is a celebration of the iconic rose, a firm favourite of gardeners everywhere. With so many varieties available offering different characteristics, there really is a rose for every occasion.

While roses are often associated with traditional English gardens, most species actually originated in Asia, with others hailing from Europe, North America, and North West Africa. In the UK, our native species include the dog rose and sweet briar, and over the years, we’ve become a proud nation of rose growers and breeders.

Grown with care, by us!

We’re proud to feature Otter-grown roses in the festival. These beautiful plants are lovingly nurtured in our own growing nurseries to ensure quality and longevity. With more than 60 years of growing experience, we’re confident our roses will thrive and bring years of enjoyment.

PreviousNext
PreviousNext

Why every garden needs a rose

There’s something undeniably special about roses. Their stunning flowers — from tight rosebuds to full blooms — offer charm at every stage. Whether your garden is large or small, there’s a rose to suit, from compact patio varieties to climbers that reach over seven metres!

Why grow a rose?

For perfume: English and ‘Old’ roses are known for their rich, intoxicating fragrance.

For cutting: Perfect for displays to brighten your home or gift to someone special.

For pollinators: Single or semi-double blooms are bee-friendly and support garden biodiversity.

For patios: Patio roses thrive in pots, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

For height: Climbing roses add vertical interest, ideal for trellises and arches.

For gifting: Choose a variety named for a special occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries.

For ground cover: Add low growing colour by underplanting Ground Cover roses in beds and borders.

PreviousNext

Three top tips for successful roses

Think roses are tricky? With just a little TLC, they’re easier to care for than you might expect. Here are our three top tips for healthy, happy plants:

  • Plant into a deep container or hole using a rich but well-drained soil.
  • Most roses are best planted in a sheltered, sunny location but some may tolerate partial shade.
  • Feed when planting to encourage stunning summer flowers. We recommend using ‘Toprose Rose & Shrub’ food.

Our Rose Festival is a joyful celebration of this stunning summer flower. Visit us for expert advice, inspiration, and to discover the perfect rose to suit your garden.

Find Out More

Related News

Newsletter

Sign up to receive our latest insights & news.