35 Of The Best Shade-Tolerant Roses

I must confess my fondness for roses, but I often neglect providing them with ideal conditions. A common mistake of mine is planting them in too much shade. I’m guilty of this because I rarely have a location with eight hours of direct sunlight and no obstructions to block the light. Despite this, I still want to enjoy my roses! Perhaps you can relate? We partner with vendors to help you find relevant products; if you purchase from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As it stands, I have several rose bushes growing in conditions that are far from ideal, and surprisingly, they’re thriving. A few have developed a leggy appearance or grown towards the light, but they still flower as regularly as before. If you’re faced with similar challenges, you might wonder if rose cultivation is even possible for you. Let me assure you: it is. However, it’s essential to choose the right variety.

We’ve got you covered; here are 35 fantastic options that we’ll explore further.

35 of the Best Roses for Shade

Roses growing in shadier areas often exhibit a more relaxed demeanor, developing longer stems as they stretch towards the sunlight. This can lead to slightly uneven growth patterns, increasing their susceptibility to pests and diseases. To mitigate these issues, it’s crucial to implement proactive measures such as watering at soil level in the morning, rather than targeting the leaves with sprinklers.

Additionally, utilizing dormant oils during the winter months can provide an extra layer of protection. With these tips in mind, let’s dive into the fascinating world of roses and discover their unique characteristics!

Alba Incarnata

This alba rose variety, known as ‘Maiden”s Blush’ or ‘Alba Incarnata’, has been a favorite for centuries due to its exceptional disease resistance, tolerance of shade, and hardiness in zones 3b through 9b. Its ability to thrive in shaded areas sets it apart from other roses. When it does bloom, typically once in late spring or early summer, the solitary show is truly impressive.

The almost thornless semi-climber produces large, pale blush pink flowers that are full and lush, often blooming singly or in small clusters. The sheer quantity of blooms can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering if there’s any foliage hidden beneath all that beauty.

All a Twitter

While ‘All a Twitter’ may be a newcomer to the horticulture scene, it’s already generating significant buzz. This compact rose bush grows up to two feet tall and approximately as wide, boasting clusters of semi-double blossoms in a vibrant, fiery orange shade that blooms throughout the summer and early fall. The plant’s disease-resistance and adaptability make it an excellent choice for container gardening.

If you’re looking to generate excitement among your friends and family, consider adding ‘All a Twitter’ to your outdoor space. Nature Hills offers live plants in #2 containers suitable for USDA Zones 4-10, allowing you to bring this stunning rose bush into your own backyard.

Carefree Delight

Meilland’s aptly named shrub rose embodies a perfect blend of carefree elegance and delightful charm. Its impressive disease resistance and self-cleaning habit make it a low-maintenance gem, while its clusters of single pink blossoms add a pop of color to any garden. Reaching approximately two feet in height and three feet in width in shadier areas, this rose is sold as ‘Bingo’ in Europe.

With the ability to thrive in climates ranging from Zone 5’s need for winter protection to Zone 10’s warm temperatures, ‘Meilland’ is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and visually appealing addition.

Country Dancer

For those unfamiliar with Griffith Buck roses, we recommend exploring his impressive breeding legacy. At its core, Dr. Buck’s philosophy was simple: a rose had to prove itself by thriving in Iowa’s harsh winters and resisting common pests and diseases without relying on pesticides or fungicides. If a rose could survive and flourish from year to year without such intervention, it earned a spot in the breeding program. A testament to Dr.

Buck’s dedication can be found in his own garden, where Gaye Hammond of the Houston Rose Society recently discovered a thriving oasis amidst the shade cast by mature trees. Among the blooms was ‘Country Dancer’, one of the many hybrids that had taken root there. As with all Griffith Buck creations, this shrub boasts a compact growth habit, reaching just five feet tall and four feet wide in full sun, or about a foot shorter and narrower when grown in shadier conditions.

The semi-double, vibrant pink flowers are renowned for their intense fragrance, boasting a classic rose scent reminiscent of juicy fruit. While foliage may not be the primary focus of rose enthusiasts, the glossy, leathery leaves of this shrub are undeniably attractive. This continually blooming beauty thrives in Zones 4b through 9b.

Claire Austin

In 1999, David Austin Roses made a groundbreaking discovery when they successfully bred ‘Claire Austin’ from two unnamed seedlings. This remarkable shrub rose boasts fully double white blossoms that bloom in profuse flushes throughout the year, even thriving in dappled sunlight conditions.

Not only do these flowers delight the eyes with their elegant appearance, but they also treat the senses to a rich and alluring fragrance reminiscent of myrrh and vanilla.

At an impressive four feet tall, ‘Claire Austin’ is a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. However, it’s worth noting that the delicate petals may become prone to balling in wet conditions, so careful watering at the soil level and avoiding heavy rainfall areas are essential.

Despite this minor caveat, ‘Claire Austin’ proves to be a resilient and adaptable cultivar, growing well in Zones 5b to 11b. With proper care, it’s sure to become a beloved fixture in any garden.

Cinco de Mayo

Incorporating ‘Cinco de Mayo’ into your garden is an everyday celebration. This exceptional floribunda boasts stunning double blossoms featuring a distinctive smoky lavender and rust-red hue. As the plant blooms in flushes throughout the summer and fall, it emits a subtle, apple-like fragrance that adds to its allure.

While ‘Cinco de Mayo’ can grow up to five feet tall when planted in full sun in Zones 6b to 9b, it will remain slightly more compact with reduced light exposure.

Earth Song

When ‘Earth Song’ is in full bloom, the world seems to be alive with a soothing hum – reminiscent of happy bees buzzing from flower to flower. Amidst this vibrant scene, one rose stands out for its remarkable adaptability: the Griffith Buck hybrid tea grandiflora. While most roses would struggle in low-light conditions, ‘Earth Song’ thrives in partial shade, its unique characteristics making it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet resilient bloom.

Withstanding the rigors of heat and disease with ease, this hardy rose is perfectly suited to Zones 4b to 9b. Its bushy shrub grows to around four feet tall, whether basking in full sun or tolerating partial shade, ensuring that its beauty can be appreciated regardless of the environment.

Easy Does It

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach to gardening, ‘Easy Does It’ is an ideal choice. This low-maintenance shrub requires minimal fuss and attention, allowing you to enjoy your time with a refreshing drink rather than spending hours tending to the garden. Its unique feature is that it blooms in waves throughout the season, whether or not you put in any effort. Additionally, its disease-resistant nature means it won’t be vulnerable to every pathogen that comes along.

To thrive, this Harkness floribunda needs to be planted in Zones 5 to 10, where it will grow up to four feet tall.

Eden Climber

Elegant ‘Eden’ is a standout rose from Meilland’s impressive collection. Its allure is undeniable, as it consistently captures the attention of anyone who lays eyes on it. This showstopping climber boasts exquisite, large-flowered blooms that are expertly cupped and fully double. The striking combination of cream-colored exteriors and deep pink centers creates a mesmerizing visual effect.

One of ‘Eden’s’ most impressive features is its ability to thrive in a variety of weather conditions.

While many roses would ball up and lose their appeal in the rain, ‘Eden’ remains resilient and continues to produce stunning flowers continuously throughout the season.

As a hardy climber, it can grow up to 12 feet tall in ideal conditions, but will tend to remain more compact in shadier spots. With USDA Zones 5b through 9b as its suitable range, ‘Eden’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add some elegance and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Eustacia Vye

David Austin’s eponymous rose, named after Thomas Hardy’s iconic heroine from ‘A Return of the Native’, boasts an array of apricot pink, fruit-scented blooms arranged in small clusters. These fragrant flowers are a distinguishing feature of this four-foot-tall shrub, which exhibits remarkable hardiness and disease resistance, thriving in zones 4 to 11.

Additionally, it proves tolerant of partial shade, making it an attractive option for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually stunning addition to their outdoor spaces.

Francis Meilland

The ‘Francis Meilland’ rose is an exquisite hybrid tea rose bred by Meilland International that stands out due to its captivating scent. Each bloom, featuring a beautiful blend of white and blush pink hues, emits a heady aroma reminiscent of citrus, fruit, and old roses. The fragrance is so potent that it’s like stepping into a whimsical floral realm. The blooms emerge in small clusters or on individual stems, making them perfect for cutting arrangements.

Be mindful of the plant’s mature size, as it can reach up to seven feet tall and three feet wide. However, its growth will be more compact in shadier spots. One of the ‘Francis Meilland’ rose’s greatest assets is its exceptional disease resistance. This hardiness makes it suitable for growing zones 6b through 9b, providing a reliable and low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Frida Kahlo

In the USDA zones 5 to 9, ‘Frida Kahlo’ is an exceptional variety that boasts impressive qualities. Its disease-resistance and vigorous growth make it a standout among its peers. The plant’s vibrant reddish-orange blooms are characterized by unique streaks and spotting in shades of buff tan, reminiscent of its namesake’s artistic style.

Throughout the summer and fall seasons, these stunning flowers emerge in clusters or as solo blossoms on a compact shrub that grows to be approximately three feet tall and wide. For gardeners looking to add this work of art to their outdoor space, Nature Hills Nursery offers ‘Frida Kahlo’ plants in #2 or #3 containers, ready for transport to your doorstep.

Golden Celebration

The majestic blooms of this shrub are a true marvel. The deeply cupped, golden yellow flowers emit a sweet fragrance that’s impossible to ignore. A testament to its beauty, the plant produces cascades of blossoms throughout the summer and into fall, with its four-foot-tall and equally wide frame providing a stunning display. While it’s hardy in zones 5b through 10b, this David Austin rose does have one weakness: black spot disease.

However, by taking proactive measures to control the issue, as outlined in resources on how to prevent black spot on roses – particularly those grown in shaded conditions – you can still enjoy its loveliness without worry.

Hansa

Rugosa roses are renowned for their resilience, effortlessly shrugging off pests and diseases that might faze more delicate varieties. Their ability to thrive in a range of lighting conditions is another testament to their adaptability.

While all rugosas share this rugged nature, not all possess the same level of visual appeal. As someone who appreciates both utility and aesthetics, I’m thrilled to highlight ‘Hansa’ as a standout example that balances toughness with stunning beauty.

In shadier areas, ‘Hansa’ rewards you with bold, pinkish-purple double blooms that exude a sweet, clove-like fragrance – a treat that repeats itself later in the summer. The vibrant red hips that follow in the fall provide an added bonus, delighting both humans and wildlife.

In my neighborhood rose garden, ‘Hansa’ is one of the few plants that consistently resists black spot, a common affliction where I live.

Its exceptional hardiness in Zones 3b to 7b (and, I’ve discovered, even Zone 8b) only adds to its appeal.

If you’re as smitten with this rose as I am, Nature Hills Nursery is the place to find it – they offer ‘Hansa’ in #3 containers.

Hawkeye Belle

Griffith Buck’s latest rose offering boasts a stunning appearance, with predominantly white petals that transition to blush hues at the center of each full and lush bloom. The four-foot-tall plant is just as wide, producing an abundance of flowers throughout the growing season. While this variety exhibits excellent disease resistance and tolerance for shade, it does have one notable weakness: its blossoms tend to form a ball in wet weather conditions.

As such, it may not be the best choice for those living in areas with frequent rainfall. Nevertheless, this rose thrives in Zones 4b to 10b.

Hermina

While Griffith Buck’s roses are renowned for their hardiness, ‘Hermina’ stands out not only for its shade tolerance but also for its stunning beauty. Unlike many other varieties that struggle to thrive in poor conditions, this rose excels in zones 5b to 10b, producing a profusion of double flowers with pink petals on the outer side and white on the inner side throughout the growing season. The shrub itself reaches around three feet in height, making it an attractive addition to any garden.

Interestingly, ‘Hermina’ is one of Buck’s cultivars that thrives in his own shady garden, a testament to its exceptional resilience.

Iceberg

The ‘Iceberg’ floribunda boasts stunning snow-white blooms with large, double petals that appear in profuse clusters throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This vigorous grower rapidly reaches an impressive height of five feet, making it a show-stopping addition to any garden. Notably, it also exhibits exceptional hardiness, resisting disease, tolerating drought, and thriving in areas with partial shade – provided you plant it within zones 4b to 10b.

Julia Child

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens’, a renowned classic rose, boasts simplicity and elegance. Its hybrid musk variety produces an abundance of small, single white flowers arranged in large clusters, adorned with yellow stamens. The shrub itself stands at a majestic five feet tall, showcasing its robust growth. In reality, this David Austin cultivar is anything but sparse – the branches are densely covered in blossoms, giving it a striking resemblance to a pure white hydrangea.

This resilient and vigorous plant thrives in Zones 5 to 11, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.

Knock Out

While many Knock Out roses struggle to thrive in partial sun, ‘Radcor’ is an exception that proves the rule. This compact shrub stands at four feet tall and equally wide, with a perpetual display of single yellow, coral, and pink flowers from spring until fall. If you reside in USDA zones 4 to 11, Nature Hills Nursery is a great place to pick one up.

Additionally, ‘Radrazz’ is another shade-tolerant option that can still produce stunning cherry-red double flowers, albeit without the full sun they might require. Even with reduced sunlight, this three-foot-tall shrub will keep blooming until the first frost in your area. Perfect for zones 4 to 9, Nature Hills also offers ‘Radrazz’ for purchase.

Koko Loko

Imagine being surrounded by the vibrant beauty of ‘Koko Loko’, a floribunda rose that defies convention with its striking color palette. The rose’s unique charm lies not only in its bright, sun-kissed hue but also in its subtle transformation to lavender as the blooms mature. This captivating shade is where the magic truly happens.

When I ran out of sunny spots in my garden, I knew I had to make room for this beauty.

So, I took a calculated risk and planted it in a partially shady area – and you know what? It thrives!

This robust rose grows up to five feet tall and blooms consistently throughout the year, treating you to an endless parade of chocolate-lavender masterpieces.

Now for the practical considerations: ‘Koko Loko’ is sensitive to cold temperatures and performs best in Zones 7 and above.

However, if you’re determined to add this gem to your garden, consider growing it in a container and providing winter protection if you live in a colder climate. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy the stunning beauty of ‘Koko Loko’.

Lichfield Angel

As I settled into my new home, the first rose to take root in the soil was ‘Lichfield Angel’. With limited knowledge of the yard’s sun patterns, I opted for a spot that seemed promising and got planting. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that what appeared to be a full-sun location was actually receiving only a few hours of direct sunlight per day. Luckily, this David Austin hybrid proved to be surprisingly adaptable.

‘Lichfield Angel’ consistently produces stunning displays of large, fully-cupped blooms with delicate scalloped petals in soft cream hues throughout the growing season, which spans from spring through fall in USDA Zones 6-9 on a bush that reaches roughly four feet tall and wide.

Mavourneen

Dr. Griffith Buck’s approach to naming roses diverged from conventional norms, eschewing familial and celebrity nods. However, his affection for loved ones was palpable through the names he chose. One such rose is Mavourneen, an anglicized Irish Gaelic term translating to ‘my beloved.’ This ruby red variety was aptly named after Dr. Buck’s wife, Ruby.

Beyond its moniker, Mavourneen boasts beautiful, full blossoms that cover the four-foot shrub during early summer, with a second flush in late summer. Its mildly fragrant nature only adds to its charm. Upon closer inspection, the petals reveal a unique quality – a subtle white hue on their reverse side, lending an air of multidimensionality.

This cold-hardy and shade-tolerant shrub thrives in USDA Zones 4 to 9, making it accessible to rose enthusiasts across a wide geographic range.

Miracle on the Hudson

The Miracle on the Hudson rose is named after the remarkable landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009. This dark red rose variety boasts semi-double blossoms that cover the shrub from spring to fall, thriving in USDA Zones 3 to 9. As it grows, the flowers may take on a darker tone in shadier or cooler spots, sometimes appearing nearly black. To keep this vigorous rose healthy and well-shaped, regular pruning is necessary for the first few years. Once established, you can let it grow freely.

If this sounds like the perfect cultivar for your outdoor space, Fast Growing Trees offers a three-gallon live plant option.

Mister Lincoln

The ‘Mister Lincoln’ hybrid tea rose has earned its reputation as a resilient and adaptable variety, not only in terms of commercial success but also as a popular choice for grafting rootstock due to its exceptional hardiness. Its remarkable durability has led to instances where it can be found growing in gardens that have reverted back to this original cultivar, a testament to its tenacity.

In fact, ‘Mister Lincoln’ has even been known to reappear in abandoned gardens, often thriving in areas with limited sunlight. This phenomenon is a testament to the rose’s ability to adapt to various conditions.

When it comes to aesthetics, ‘Mister Lincoln’ boasts classic red petals on full blooms that appear in clusters on its four-foot-tall shrub. For those seeking a shade-tolerant and low-maintenance option, this rose is an attractive choice.

You can purchase one for yourself at Nature Hills Nursery.

Molineux

This David Austin rose boasts an irresistible appearance, with its vibrant yellow and peach-hued blooms resembling succulent fruit. The cultivar’s namesake nods to the iconic stadium in England where the Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club plays; a unique feature of this variety are the pointed petals that evoke the shape of dahlias.

Standing at approximately three feet tall, the thornless shrub is ideal for Zones 6-10, with its solitary blooms making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.

Paloma Blanca

The ‘Paloma Blanca’ plant is a stunning sight, with clusters of large white flowers resembling white doves perched on the deep green, glossy leaves. The photo alone is enough to entice anyone to learn more about this beauty. But what really sets it apart is its intoxicating floral fragrance, which becomes even more pronounced when taken in deeply. This isn’t a small plant by any means – it can grow up to nearly seven feet tall and looks magnificent as it climbs up a trellis or wall. Bred by Dr.

Griffith Buck, the grandiflora thrives in Zones 4b to 9b, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some elegance to their garden.

Portlandia

‘Portlandia’, an apricot-pink beauty, bears no relation to the popular TV series. However, it’s easy to imagine this stunning variety thriving in Portland, Oregon, where the show is set – and I should know, as I grow it myself in my yard.

Its sweet fragrance is just one of its many charms. The robust blooms appear on a disease-resistant climber that can reach 10 feet tall, producing large clusters throughout late spring and into fall.

Quietness

The Buck rose ‘Quietness’ may seem unassuming at first glance, its soft pale pink hue not immediately commanding attention. However, this understated beauty is anything but reserved. Its large, full blooms are intensely fragrant and appear in clusters that bloom repeatedly throughout the season. When it comes to growth, ‘Quietness’ displays an elegant spreading habit, reaching a height of around four feet and width of five feet.

While not essential, regular deadheading will reward you with additional blooms, while pruning in the fall or winter can enhance the display the following year.

Roald Dahl

‘Roald Dahl’ from David Austin boasts a captivating peachy hue and an alluring raspberry fragrance, a true delight for the senses. The medium-sized blooms may not be the largest on offer, but their impact is amplified by their lush, ruffled appearance. Open, flat petals adorn the exterior of each flower, while tightly packed whirls and swirls form at its center. The buds, a vibrant orange, add an extra layer of visual appeal.

This cultivar has quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional disease resistance and reliable performance in zones 5-11, even when planted in shadier conditions. ‘Roald Dahl’ is a great option for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet visually striking addition to their garden. For those interested in adding this beauty to their collection, it’s available at Burpee as a bare root specimen.

Rugosa

Rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa) are a testament to resilience, boasting a unique combination of hardiness and low maintenance. Despite not being the most showy, these plants will still produce blooms even in deep shade, making them an excellent choice for areas with limited sunlight. What’s more impressive is their ability to thrive in conditions that would be challenging for many other rose species – including truly dark areas without worrying about fungal issues.

The variety of colors available, from the original pink to snow white, means there’s a Rugosa rose to suit every taste. With the exception of the hottest locations in southern Florida and California, these plants can thrive throughout Zones 3a to 10a. They’re also surprisingly drought- and salt-tolerant, earning them the nickname ‘tough cookie.

‘ The shrubs themselves can spread up to 10 feet via suckers, reaching a height of around four feet, and feature bright orange-red hips that are truly impressive in size. For those looking to bring a touch of Rugosa rose beauty into their garden, options like ‘Alba’ with its white blooms or the original pink species plant are available from Nature Hills Nursery – either as bare-root or live plants in a #2 container.

Silver Shadows

The Buck rose, ‘Silver Shadows’, is an otherworldly beauty that boasts a heady citrus fragrance emanating from its large, cupped, double blossoms. But what truly sets this plant apart is its striking coloration. The five-foot-tall shrub is cloaked in a unique silver, mauve, and purple hue that remains captivating throughout the entire growing season, refusing to fade away like many other blooms.

The Fairy

While many polyanthas struggle to thrive in shaded areas, ‘The Fairy’ proves to be an exception. This petite yet robust variety can produce vibrant pink flowers even in the coolest of conditions, whereas intense heat may cause the blooms to pale to nearly white. Standing tall at just over two feet in height and width, ‘The Fairy’ is not as delicate as her fairy-like appearance might suggest.

Her disease-resistant nature also makes her a reliable choice for gardeners, growing well in Zones 4b through 9b. For those seeking to add this charming variety to their garden, Nature Hills Nursery offers live plants in #3 containers.

Wanderin’ Winds

Among the lush foliage of Griffith Buck’s property, ‘Wanderin’ Winds’ stands out as a charming gem. This semi-double pink rose variety thrives in dappled shade, growing approximately four feet tall and three feet wide on its sturdy shrub frame. While it may be less common than other commercial offerings, the unique charm of this cultivar makes it well worth the search for those seeking a timeless, classic look in their shaded garden spaces.

Zephirine Drouhin

When recommending a climber, I always start with the exceptional ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ bourbon rose. Its striking double blossoms, featuring long petals and vibrant pink hues, grow right against the canes on short stems, offering an unobstructed display that’s simply stunning. While it may not be ideal for cutting due to its growth habit, the roses are held facing outwards, rather than drooping like some climbers, providing a bold statement piece in any garden.

This vigorous climber can reach heights of up to 15 feet in zones 5b-10b and is further distinguished by its intoxicating damask scent. What’s more, it thrives in shady conditions, producing flowers from spring through fall, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet high-reward climbing rose. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned beauty that won’t disappoint, look no further than ‘Zephirine Drouhin’, available at Nature Hills Nursery in #3 containers.

The Shade of It All

Don’t let limited sunlight deter you from growing your dream roses. The truth is, many varieties can thrive in partial shade or dappled light. In fact, with just four hours of direct sunlight, you can still enjoy a beautiful rose garden. While it’s true that some roses require full sun to bloom, there are plenty of options that can tolerate shadier conditions. So don’t give up on your rose-growing aspirations just yet.

If any of the plants on this list have caught your eye, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you’ve discovered a reliable option not mentioned here, be sure to share your findings with our community. Looking for more rose-related goodness? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other articles on growing roses, including getting started, buying rose bushes, pruning, and planting during the fall season.