27 Different Types of Thornless Roses For Your Garden

Roses are long-lived, woody perennials that grace our gardens with unparalleled beauty and fragrance. Most gardeners put up with the spikes in exchange for all that gorgeousness, but if you don’t want to put on heavy-duty gloves to work in your garden, you have options! Thankfully, rose hybridizers have been dutifully working to develop roses with a thick epidermis that prevents thorn growth, resulting in a smoother growing experience for all!

Thornless or minimal thorn rose varieties are particularly appealing for elderly gardeners, those with pets, and children’s gardens. The important thing is to not let the thorns prevent you from enjoying this most beautiful of garden flowers!

If you’ve always wanted to grow roses but hesitate because of their thorns, now’s the time to check out some special types that offer the same classic appeal without all the prickles! Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful thornless and minimal thorn rose varieties available!

‘Zephirine Drouhin’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Zephirine Drouhin’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 12’ – 20’
	hardiness zones 6- 11

Sometimes called the only true thornless rose (often “thornless” varieties have very minimal prickles), ‘Zephirine Drouhin’  is a lush pink old Bourbon variety. Bourbon Roses originated on the island of Réunion in the 1800s. They have big, double blooms and lavish fragrance.

‘Zéphirine Drouhin’, a large climbing rose, will bloom in flushes of vivid pink flowers throughout the season. It makes a stunning backdrop trained along an arch or stone wall. Its thornless canes and delicious almond cherry perfume make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

Another perk: ‘Zephirine’ is tolerant of shade and poor soil conditions, making her a no-brainer for those difficult spots in your garden. Make sure you’ve allotted adequate space, as this rose can grow up to 20 feet tall when happy.

‘Smooth Angel’

	botanical name Rosa ‘HADangel’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’ – 4’
	hardiness zones 6- 11

A soft creamy apricot shade, ‘Smooth Angel’ is a hybrid tea rose from Harvey Davidson’s Smooth Touch ® collection, introduced in the 1980s. This shrub has large, full, heavily scented blooms. It is 95% thorn-free, sometimes developing thorns at the base of the canes, which grow smoother as they mature.

‘Smooth Angel’ delights with pale ivory outer petals and a rich golden center. It is highly fragrant and would be an excellent choice to grow in pots.

Plant ‘Smooth Angel’ in full sun and well-drained soil for best bloom production. This rose makes a lovely cut flower!

‘Veilchenblau’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 10’ – 20’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

A breathtaking choice for large gardens, ‘Veilchenblau’ is a rambling rose growing 10-20 ft. tall. Its unique violet-blue color makes it a standout specimen in the garden. Ramblers only bloom once a season, but the show lasts 3-4 weeks and is truly stunning.

‘Veilchenblau’s’ single, lilac blooms with a white eye are attractive to people and wildlife alike. Their open form invites pollinators, and the sweet lily of the valley scent will draw in passersby.

A perfect option for north-facing gardens, ‘Veilchenblau’ tolerates some shade. Fertilize in early spring to encourage a profusion of blooms all over its long smooth canes. 

‘Cinderella’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Cinderella’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 5- 10

If you have a small garden, check out the miniature ‘Cinderella’. Topping out at three ft., ‘Cinderella’ makes up for their lack of height with major bloom power. Each tidy shrub is covered with abundant white puffy blooms.

With a full bushy habit and light, spicy scent, ‘Cinderella’ is excellent for creating low hedges. Its nearly thornless canes make it perfect for a children’s fairy garden.

Tolerant of drought once established, consider ‘Cinderella’ if you live in a warm climate. It does well in the summer heat, and its dainty white flowers are touched with blush pink. It can add delicate romance to any garden.

‘Reine des Violettes’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Reine des Violettes’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 3’-4’
	hardiness zones 4- 9

This ‘Queen of the violets’ is a hybrid perpetual, a group known for vigorous growth in a wide variety of climates. It has eye-catching flat, quartered blooms packed with petals. The mauve to magenta shades will complement a variety of garden palettes.

‘Reine des Violettes’ has a deep, old rose scent and will appeal to those who love an antique look. A perfect size for a mixed border or in containers, it’s easy to find a spot for the lovely and shade-tolerant ‘Reine’.

This old-fashioned beauty will flower from spring through frost, but keep it deadheaded for maximum repeat bloom. ‘Reine’ is a heavy feeder. Give it a good organic fertilizer in early spring, midsummer, and once before the last fall flush for the healthiest plant.

‘Mary Delany’

	botanical name Rosa ‘AUSorts’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 5’-12’
	hardiness zones 4- 11

‘Mary Delany’ (previously ‘Mortimer Sackler’) is named for an English artist known for her botanical drawings. It has a special look, with small, emerald leaves and bountiful sprays of soft pink flowers.

‘Mary’ is rated highly for disease resistance and winter hardiness. It’s a delicate looking thorn-free option for gardeners in cold climates. A Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit winner, this blushing beauty is a reliable selection.

‘Mary Delany’ can be trained as a shrub or a small climber, depending on your preference. An excellent repeat bloomer, this fragrant rose is worthy of a spot in your garden. Plant it in full sun or dappled shade and enjoy its unusual, frilled petals and light fruity scent.

‘Sterling Silver’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Sterling Silver’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 2’-3’
	hardiness zones 7- 11

‘Sterling Silver’ was the first true lavender rose produced in the US. It has elegant, high-centered buds and nearly thornless stems, making it a popular choice for florists. The silvery, mauve color is rare in roses and will look beautiful paired with other cool tones in the garden.

An excellent size for patios, you’ll want to plant ‘Sterling Silver’ where you’ll pass by often to savor its enchanting citrus fragrance. ‘Sterling’ prefers full sun, but its light-colored blooms sometimes scorch in hot weather, so provide some shade if you see burnt petals.

‘Sterling Silver’ is also known for dark, glossy foliage that sets off its light, hybrid tea blooms. The combination is so striking that internet users often ask if this rose is real! A delicate beauty, ‘Sterling Silver’ is not winter hardy, so make sure to provide extra protection if you experience low temperatures.

‘Abracadabra’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Abracadabra’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 2’-3’
	hardiness zones 6- 10

Another unusual choice, ‘Abracadabra’ steals the scene with deep russet blooms striped with lively yellow. A popular cut flower, ‘Abracadabra’ makes a noteworthy bouquet. Its faint butterscotch scent is best appreciated when blooms are heated by the summer sun.

‘Abracadabra’ can stand alone as a specimen plant or bring out its colors by planting it in a mixed border with yellow blooming perennials. This happy rose is a floribunda, so it will bloom in large clusters of flowers, spring through fall.

Give this showy bicolor shrub a special place in your garden in full sun. It’s sure to draw attention and lots of compliments!

‘Goldfinch’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Goldfinch’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 8’-10’
	hardiness zones 4- 9

‘Goldfinch’ is a cheerful, vigorous polyantha rambler. Polyanthas are tough roses with abundant blooms, making this a good choice for gardeners wanting an easy-care rose.

With small, golden buds opening to pale yellow rosettes, ‘Goldfinch’ grows densely, transforming a boring garden corner into a lovely sea of blooms. It has a nice, fruity scent.

Though vigorous and hardy, ‘Goldfinch’ is a fairly slow grower. With a bit of patience and some training up a trellis or obelisk, it will provide a gorgeous tapestry of button blossoms. Its long, arching canes are nearly thornless but beware of prickles hiding under its leaves. Once blooming in spring or early summer, the profuse flowers will last several weeks.

‘Pink Poodle’

	botanical name Rosa ‘MORpoodle’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 1’-2’
	hardiness zones 6-9

This eye-catching rose is perfect for dahlia lovers! It resembles a miniature dahlia, with the perk of coming back every year in zones 6-9. Each intricate bloom has layers of pointed petals, with an ombre effect created by a creamy center that graduates to light pink with cerise edges.

Growing to a maximum height of 2 ft, ‘Pink Poodle’ can be tucked anywhere in the garden! It thrives in large pots and has vigorous, bushy growth. This miniature rose is also beautiful, planted in small groups of 3-5. Let its unique coloring be the star by planting it with a backdrop of light green foliage plants.

‘Pink Poodle’ has medium-sized blooms with a fruity scent that are lovely when used as fresh-cut flowers. It will be a bloom machine all summer, especially if you keep it deadheaded. Prune each spring for lots of new growth and bountiful flowers.

‘Sally Holmes’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Sally Holmes’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 6’-12’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

‘Sally Holmes’ is a World Federation of Rose Societies Hall of Fame winner! This free-flowering climber is nearly always blooming all season long. Apricot buds open to white ruffled, single blooms with golden stamens. This popular shrub is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Not to be missed for fans of white roses in the garden, ‘Sally Holmes’ wows with clusters of up to 60 flowers! It is truly easy care, growing vigorously despite lack of attention or poor conditions. Plant ‘Sally’ in a spot with some afternoon shade to protect its white blooms.

As temperatures turn colder, the blooms of ‘Sally Holmes’ take on a hint of blush pink. It’s particularly stunning when trained over an arbor and is sure to be a showstopper in your garden.

‘Roemer’s Hip Happy’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Roemers Hip Happy’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 3’- 4’
	hardiness zones 5-9

If you want a rose that provides continuous blooms and winter interest, consider “Roemer’s Hip Happy’. Named for the decorative display of brightly colored hips in fall, ‘Hip Happy’ will beautify your garden through winter while providing forage for birds.

This shrub rose is perfect for informal gardens, with single, light pink flowers resembling a wild rose. It’s a strong grower with lush foliage. A thorn-free hedge of “Roemer’s Hip Happy’ will be a hit for humans and pollinators alike.

In some climates, ‘Hip Happy’ is prone to powdery mildew. Always water at the base of your shrub rather than overhead to avoid wet leaves and fungal growth. Stop removing spent blooms in late summer to encourage the development of its namesake orange hips.

‘A Shropshire Lad’

	botanical name Rosa ‘AUSled’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 8’-10’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

David Austin is known for bringing romantic, fully double blooms with heavenly scent to the market. ‘Shropshire Lad’ offers all of this on a thornless climbing rose! Its flowers are a soft peachy pink with a dreamy, fruit tea fragrance.

‘A Shropshire Lad’, named for a collection of poems about Shropshire County, England, is a climber, but not an aggressive one, at 8 to 10 feet tall. This healthy and richly flowering rose is a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit winner.

Its unique, back-turned outer petals surround a cupped center, creating a lovely bloom that holds its shape for a long time. To encourage abundant flowering, plant this small climber in full sun. ‘Shropshire’ is easy to train along a fence or wall and shines in combination with brighter pinks or dark purples.

‘Bleu Magenta’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Bleu Magenta’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 12’-18’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

With magenta buds and deep-violet blooms, ‘Bleu Magenta’ is the deepest purple rambling rose available. The profuse purple flowers speckled with white in the center nearly glow in the garden.

A vigorous rambler and Garden Merit winner, ‘Bleu’ is easy to grow and great for beginners. It sends out long canes that will quickly cover an arbor for a dramatic effect or disguise an unsightly shed to beautify your view!

‘Blue Magenta’ is forgiving of most garden conditions and will produce a one-time spellbinding flush of fluffy blooms in midsummer. If your newly planted ‘Bleu Magenta’ tends more to pink than deep purple, give it some time. These roses take a few years to settle into their famous rich color.

‘Smooth Velvet’

	botanical name Rosa ‘HADvelvet’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 5’-6’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

If you love the look of formal red roses, check out deep crimson hybrid tea ‘Smooth Velvet’. Another member of the ‘Smooth Touch’ collection, this rose’s thornless stems beckon you to cut bouquets!

‘Smooth Velvet’ can be trained as a sprawling shrub or a small climber. It is highly fragrant. ‘Smooth Velvet’ works well planted near benches and seating areas.

‘Smooth Velvet’ will bloom throughout the season and appreciates full sun. Its true red will shine against cream and apricot hues in the garden.

‘Lady Banks White’

	botanical name Rosa Banksiae ‘Aiton’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 15’-20’
	hardiness zones 6-9

If you want to cover your garden in curtains of puffy white pompons, you’ll love ‘Lady Banks White’. This rambling wild hybrid blooms its heart out in one long spectacular show each spring.

‘Lady’ needs lots of room! This rose can climb up a 20 ft. tree. The World’s Largest rose in Arizona, spreading over 8,000 sq.feet, is a white ‘Lady Banks’.

Once established, ‘Lady’ will do her thing beautifully with minimal care from you. An incredibly tough variety, you mainly have to keep an eye on pruning to maintain desired shape and size. Or, you could let it grow wild and turn your garden into a traffic stopper! Once you smell its intense damask fragrance, you’ll be tempted to let ‘Lady’ take over.

‘Chloris’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Chloris’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’-6’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Let this sweet-scented pale pink rose, named for a nymph of the flowers, herald in spring in your garden. ‘Chloris’ is an Alba rose, characterized by remarkable blue-green foliage, nearly thornless canes, and winter hardiness.

‘Chloris’ also called ‘Rosée du Matin’ (morning dew), has long graceful canes accented with small rosettes. The centers are blush pink, fading to outer petals in soft cream. It flowers only once in midsummer, but the lavish display will rival the best of your other perennials, lasting 4-6 weeks.

‘Chloris’ is shade-tolerant and can even thrive beneath the dappled shade of large trees. It is an excellent addition to woodland gardens. Wherever you place it, ‘Chloris’ will reward you with lots of adorable anise and verbena-scented blossoms every year.

‘Behold’

	botanical name Rosa ‘SAVahold’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 5- 11

If your garden is calling out for a bright splash of color, thornless ‘Behold’ will do the trick! This mini is anything but shy, with vibrant, canary yellow exhibition quality rose blooms on glossy foliage. A multi-award-winner, ‘Behold’ will add sunny cheer to your garden.

‘Behold’ is the ideal size for planting in pots near your entryway to welcome guests. A tough little rose, it will do equally well planted directly in the garden as a bright mini-hedge. Many people gift miniature roses thinking they are annuals, but they are quite hardy and will thrive for years planted in your garden!

‘Behold’ has perfect, hybrid tea flowers with thornless stems, inviting you to collect it for joyful mini bouquets. Remove spent blooms regularly to keep it flowering all summer.

‘Lykkefund’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Lykkefund’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 18’-20’
	hardiness zones 5- 8

Magnificent clusters of bridal white, semi-double roses emerge in bursts all over the vigorous ‘Lykkefund’ (“Lucky Find”), a low-maintenance rambler from Denmark. Growing up to 20 feet, this rose will continue to shine each season with no pruning or special attention.

Blooms have glowing yellow centers and a golden line down the center of many petals. This rose flowers in a divine display for 4-6 weeks each spring but continues to add ornamental value in the garden with its abundant red hips in fall. Many gardeners love to use them as holiday decor, but they will be appreciated if left to feed the birds through the fall and winter.

Beloved by wildlife, plant ‘Lykkefund’ in woodland and informal spaces where it can spread out and grow a bit wild. You can safely plant it near high-traffic areas with no fear of thorns! This highly fragrant rose will perform well even in the shade and poor soil conditions, a great option for difficult spaces!

‘Lichfield Angel’

	botanical name Rosa ‘AUSrelate’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’-5’
	hardiness zones 4-11

‘Lichfield Angel’, another exquisite English variety from David Austin, is a thornless shrub rose that can grow nearly anywhere. It has elegantly cupped petals in pale peach, fading to cream, with a tidy outer ring.

‘Lichfield’ blooms in clusters from spring through frost. Provide 6-8 hours of sun and well-drained soil for maximum bloom production. Some afternoon shade will protect the color of its pale blooms from sunburn. ‘Lichfield Angel’ makes a lovely cut flower and will bring the scent of cloves and citrus into your home.

This rose makes an attractive hedge with gracefully nodding stems. The peaches and cream shades are complemented by deep purple salvias, nepeta, or lavender in a mixed border.

‘Climbing Prairie Rose’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Setigera’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’-15’
	hardiness zones 3- 9

Gardeners committed to native plants can have roses too! This lovely wild rose is native to the Eastern and Central United States. ‘Climbing Prairie Rose’ has single, open blooms with five petals in bubblegum pink, which fade to blush as they age.

‘Climbing Prairie’ can be pruned in early spring to maintain small stature or trained up to 15 ft. tall when well supported. It is popular with pollinators in the summer and provides nourishment and habitat for birds during the winter months. Its foliage draws the eye with beautiful red tones in autumn.

This delicate pink rose is best in large gardens, as it can spread to form a thicket. It has minimal small prickles that allow it to cling like a vine. ‘Climbing Prairie Rose’ blooms on new wood in spring to midsummer and performs best in full sun.

‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’

	botanical name Rosa ‘MEIteratol’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 4’-10’
	hardiness zones 6-10

‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’ is a perfect cut flower, and its nearly thornless stems make it easy to assemble pretty striped bouquets! This unique rose was awarded the Gold Standard in the Gold Standard Rose Trials in 2013, making it a reliable choice for health and beauty.

Choose ‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’ if you need a rose that offers eye-catching blooms, blackspot resistance, and easy-care. It is a slow-grower, so don’t be discouraged if ‘Raspberry’ takes a while to achieve desired size. The blooms are worth the wait!

‘Kathleen Harrop’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 4’-9’
	hardiness zones 5- 10

‘Kathleen Harrop’ is a soft, creamy pink sport of the old Bourbon rose ‘Zephirine Drouhin’. Unsupported, it grows as a sprawling shrub at 4-5 ft. tall, but it can be trained to climb taller up a trellis. ‘Kathleen’ has an intoxicating fruity, old rose scent and continuous bloom power.

Like its relative ‘Zephirine’, ‘Kathleen’ can struggle with blackspot and powdery mildew. Prune regularly to provide airflow to the center of the plant, and water in the morning to allow foliage to dry in the sun.

Plant ‘Kathleen Harrop’ in full sun and fertilize in early spring. It will bloom in a large flush in early summer, with scattered repeat blooms ‘til frost. This is a lovely minimal thorn variety for fans of true pink roses.

‘Paul Neyron’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Paul Neyron’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 4’-6’
	hardiness zones 4- 9

If maximum bloom size is what you’re after, ‘Paul Neyron’ might fit the bill. This rose recalls enormous “cabbage rose” style blooms, with packed petals reaching 6 inches across! It is a rich, raspberry pink on light green, thornless foliage.

‘Paul Neyron’ is a hybrid perpetual rose, a group of tough, vigorous growing roses popular in the Victorian era. It has long, leggy stems supporting its huge blooms. This rose is perfect for cut flowers and lasts a long time in the vase.

‘Paul’ has a sumptuous fruity fragrance. A multi-award winner, consider this large-flowering variety as an alternative to peonies in your garden. Try it in full sun or dappled shade in a mixed border along blue perennial geraniums, ‘Paul’ offers it all: large blooms, lovely scent, and flowers all summer! 

‘Brother Cadfael’

	botanical name Rosa ‘AUSglobe’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 5’-8’
	hardiness zones 5 – 9

Another enticing option for peony lovers, ‘Brother Cadfael’ has gigantic globular flowers that bloom all season! Its perfume also rivals peonies, with an intense, lemony classic rose scent.

This English shrub rose is alluring when mass planted, creating a blanket of large pink flowers that can be spotted from afar. It has an attractive bushy habit, making it easy to place and prune. Plant it near companions with chartreuse foliage for a soft and elegant palette.

This variety prefers full sun. Due to its large, cupped blooms, it has a tendency to ball (get soaked and fail to open) in the rain. Consider offering it some shelter or clipping your best slightly-open buds before an incoming storm.

‘Marie Pavié’

	botanical name Rosa ‘Marie Pavié’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade
	height 2’-4’
	hardiness zones 5- 9

‘Marie Pavié’ has the fairytale look of the large, fluffy ramblers in a compact size. Topping out at 4 ft. tall, this blush pink to ivory rose flourishes in containers or along walkways. Each cluster has 8-12 double, musk rose perfumed blooms.

‘Marie’ is highly floriferous from spring through frost. Its size and shade tolerance make it a beautiful accent for the patio, or tucked into a partially shaded garden bed. A polyantha rose, this shrub will be a disease resistant workhorse in your garden!

If you prefer a tidy look, plan to spend some time deadheading ‘Marie Pavié’. This rose blooms so prolifically that older roses wither and cling to the bush, turning brown with age. As you prune, you’ll encourage growth of new plum-colored foliage and many more flowers to come!

‘Heritage’

	botanical name Rosa ‘AUSblush’
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full Sun
	height 4’-5’
	hardiness zones 5- 11

‘Heritage’ is a nearly perfect rose. It has shell pink, thickly petaled blooms, delicious honey spice fragrance, and excellent vigor. The fact that it doesn’t have thorns makes it an all-time favorite.

An award-winning, healthy bloom-machine, ‘Heritage’ has only one drawback. Individual flowers don’t last very long on the bush. Thankfully, new blooms are always soon to appear! Help flowers last longer by providing protection from wind and rain.

‘Heritage’ will stand up well to winter cold and scorching summer heat. It works great in the back of the border or in groups to form a hedge. This low-maintenance English stunner is a sophisticated landscape alternative to Knock Out roses.