10 Neat Things About the Scent of Roses
The scent of roses has mesmerized people for centuries, symbolizing love, elegance, and even healing properties. But did you know that not all roses are fragrant? Their scent varies widely, influenced by genetics, time of day, climate, and even petal colour. From the science behind their fragrance to their historical and medicinal uses, roses have a fascinating olfactory story to tell. Whether you’re a gardener, a perfume enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys stopping to smell the roses, this list will deepen your appreciation for their delightful aroma.
1. The chemistry of rose fragrance.
The classic scent of a rose comes from hundreds of volatile organic compounds. The most significant contributors are geraniol, nerol, and citronellol, which create a sweet, floral aroma. Some roses also contain damascenone, a compound that adds a rich, honeyed depth to the fragrance.
2. Not all roses are fragrant.
Many modern hybrid roses were bred for appearance rather than scent, meaning some have little to no fragrance. If you want a rose with a strong scent, look for old-fashioned varieties like rugosa roses, which are both hardy and fragrant, even in cold climates. Some shrub roses, such as ‘Therese Bugnet’ or ‘Hansa’, combine toughness with a beautiful perfume, making them great choices for northern gardens. If you live in a milder climate, consider fragrant David Austin roses like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ or ‘The Poet’s Wife’.
3. The scent changes throughout the day.
Rose fragrance is strongest in the morning and early evening because cooler temperatures and higher humidity slow the evaporation of scent compounds, allowing the aroma to linger. In the morning, roses release more fragrance to attract pollinators like bees, which are most active at that time. As the day warms up, the scent molecules dissipate, sometimes shifting to fruitier or spicier notes depending on the rose variety.
4. Fragrance varies by rose colour.
The scent of a rose is often linked to its petal colour. Dark red and pink roses tend to have the classic deep, damask fragrance, while white and yellow roses often smell lighter, fruitier, or citrusy. Orange roses may carry hints of spice or tea. This variation happens because different pigments are associated with unique fragrance compounds, influencing how each rose smells.
5. The Damask rose is the queen of perfume.
The Damask rose (Rosa × damascena) is the most important variety in perfumery. Grown primarily in Bulgaria, Turkey, and France, its petals are steam-distilled to produce rose oil, also called attar of roses. It takes about 10,000 roses to make a single ounce of this precious oil. Some hardy Damask rose cultivars hardy to Zone 3 or 4 include ‘Madame Hardy’, ‘Leda’, and ‘York and Lancaster’.
6. Rose scent can affect mood.
The fragrance of roses isn’t just pleasant—it has measurable effects on mood and well-being. Studies show(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5511972/ for instance) that the scent of roses can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even enhance memory retention. Rose essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to foster calmness and emotional balance, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes, candles, and skincare products
7. Roses were once used in medicine.
For centuries, roses were valued for their medicinal properties. Rose water and rose oil were traditionally used to treat headaches, stress, and digestive issues. In medieval Europe, rose petals were brewed into teas and syrups to soothe sore throats and aid sleep. In Persian and Ayurvedic medicine, roses were believed to have cooling properties, helping to reduce inflammation and skin irritation. Today, rose extracts are still used in skincare, aromatherapy, and herbal remedies.
8. Some people can’t smell roses.
A small percentage of people have specific anosmia, meaning they can’t detect certain scents—like rose fragrance—while still perceiving other smells normally. This happens because different scent molecules bind to distinct olfactory receptors, and some people lack the receptors needed to detect certain rose compounds. If someone struggles to smell other floral or sweet scents, they may have a broader olfactory disorder, such as hyposmia (reduced smell sensitivity).
9. Rose scent helps protect the plant.
While roses use fragrance to attract pollinators, some of their scent compounds also serve as a natural defense against pests and diseases. Certain volatile organic compounds in rose fragrance—like citronellol—repel mosquitoes and aphids. Some roses also produce methyl eugenol, which deters harmful beetles while attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on pests. Additionally, some strongly scented varieties, particularly rugosa roses, show resistance to fungal infections like black spot, possibly due to antifungal compounds in their petals and leaves.
10. Growing conditions affect fragrance.
Soil type, climate, and humidity all influence how a rose smells. Roses grown in hot, dry climates often develop a more intense fragrance, while those grown in cool, wet conditions may have a lighter scent. High humidity can enhance scent longevity, while poor soil conditions or excessive nitrogen can sometimes diminish fragrance intensity.
