Visiting the Portland International Rose Test Garden

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Founded in 1917 and located in Washington Park, the Portland International Rose Test Garden is the official oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States; it features over 10,000 rose bushes and expansive views of downtown Portland.

Credit: Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland

Walk through a century-old garden hosting over 10,000 colorful rose bushes.

Matt Wastradowski

Matt Wastradowski is an Oregon-based travel writer who loves writing about the great outdoors, craft beer, and regional history.

In Portland, there is no surer sign that spring is here and summer is quickly approaching than colorful rose blooms across the city. And while you’ll find gardens on quiet side streets and in pastoral parks alike, there is no grander display than the International Rose Test Garden (or the Portland Rose Garden, as locals call it) in Washington Park.

Roughly a century after the first flower was planted, the garden remains the oldest testing ground for new rose varieties in the country and is home to over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 600 varieties.

Plan Your Visit

The garden is open daily, and admission is free. While great city and Mount Hood views are offered year-round, the best rose-viewing months are May through September. (When you’re finished admiring the flowers, head just uphill to the majestic Portland Japanese Garden for more fabulous flora.) Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Portland International Rose Test Garden.

Hoyt Arboretum

Roughly 12 miles of trails traverse Portland’s “living museum of trees” — which hosts more than 2,300 species from across the globe.

Oregon Zoo

Located in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than a thousand animals. The zoo also hosts public and private events. Every event booking helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered and threatened species at home and around the world.

Portland Japanese Garden

This authentic Japanese garden comprises eight garden styles, a Japanese tea house, easy trails and other peaceful sites.

World Forestry Center

Learn about the forest’s many wonders through engaging exhibits and interactive attractions encouraging sustainable forestry.

Rose Garden Children’s Park

Let your little ones loose on this massive accessible playground, which features slides, swings, ramps, a sand pit and more.

History of the International Rose Test Garden

While it’s true that Portland has a storied romance with its roses, the 1917 founding of the International Rose Test Garden was a key historical milestone in the relationship. Now the oldest officially operated public rose test garden in the U.S. and its 10,000 rose bushes shine as a destination worthy of its legacy, alongside the annual Rose Festival and the city’s 200 miles (321 km) of urban roses. It’s no wonder Portland is known as the Rose City.

International Rose Test Garden Features

Ready to visit? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know — and what to enjoy — at the Portland International Rose Test Garden.

Rose Garden Views

The roses are undeniably the star attraction at the garden, but Mount Hood towers over the city skyline to the east, creating a picturesque backdrop to the beautiful setting.

Rose Garden Tours

Free public tours led by knowledgeable guides are offered at 1 p.m. daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tours depart from the Rose Garden Store.

Specialty Gardens

Four specialty gardens are nested within the broader rose garden, each reflecting a different theme. The Royal Rosarian Garden, for instance, honors members of the Royal Rosarians — an organization whose members serve as goodwill ambassadors for Portland. Another shows off award-winning roses, the Shakespeare Garden hosts roses named for characters in the Bard’s plays, and the fourth is where various roses — including miniatures — are tested for possible commercial release.

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Purple roses popping on a mild summer day at Portland International Rose Test Garden.

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Wander through the most fragrant rose garden May through September.

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The amphitheater at Portland International Rose Test Garden is the perfect place to have a picnic or enjoy one of many outdoor summer events.

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The International Rose Test Garden is located right in Washington Park. There are thousands of different types of roses to see and it is a great place to have a picnic in the summer.

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William Shakespeare monument, just one of many public art displays at Portland International Rose Test Garden.

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In 2017 the gardens got an upgrade with this paved promenade through the roses.

Events at the Rose Garden

The garden sits adjacent to the Washington Park Amphitheater. This grassy, multi-tiered venue routinely hosts film screenings, live music, dance and theater performances when weather permits in spring and summer. A full listing of Washington Park events with category and venue filters can be found here.

Souvenirs at the Rose Garden Store

If you’re looking for a rose-themed souvenir, stop by the Rose Garden Store at the southern edge of the garden. The gift shop sells locally-made bath and body goods, home decor, magnets and other rose-inspired items.

International Rose Test Garden FAQ

How much does it cost to go to the International Rose Test Garden?

Admission is free to visit the International Rose Test Garden in Portland.

When should I visit the Portland Rose Garden?

Roses bloom between late May and October, and sunny days make June and July ideal for seeing the most colorful gardens.

Why is it called the International Rose Test Garden?

The garden’s name reflects its primary purpose — testing new rose varieties for possible commercial release. Its roots go back to World War I when growers sent roses to Portland for preservation and testing.

What is a Rose Test Garden?

Just like the name implies, the Portland Rose Garden is one of 12 U.S. American Garden Rose Selections trial gardens. Testing beds sit just north of the garden’s gazebo and are home to flowers submitted from all over the world. Over a two-year trial, judges evaluate roses for disease resistance, fragrance and other factors. If a rose passes muster, it may take up residence in the garden—roughly 10 to 20 varieties are replaced each year—and become available for sale at nurseries and florists across the United States.

When do roses bloom in Portland?

Roses typically bloom between late May and October, while peak bloom occurs between late May and mid-June.

Why does Portland have so many roses?

Where can I find a map of the garden?

Is the Rose Garden accessible?

Yes. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available, a ramp provides access to the garden, and the Rose Garden’s main promenade is wheelchair-accessible. The Washington Park Free Shuttle is also fully accessible.

How many roses are in the International Rose Test Garden?

More than 10,000 individual bushes bloom throughout the garden, representing more than 610 varieties.

Portland Rose Gardens and Where to Find Them

Portland has a long-standing reputation as the City of Roses — so we dive into the city’s history with the fragrant flower, share the lowdown on rose gardens around town and offer tips for visiting the Portland Rose Festival in late spring.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February – June.

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