8 Best-Selling Roses Books Millions Love

Discover Roses Books authored by Clair G. Martin, Saxon Holt, and more, featuring best-selling guides prized for expert insights and practical advice.

Updated on June 29, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the world of gardening. Roses, with their timeless allure and challenging cultivation, have inspired countless gardeners to seek reliable guidance. The popularity of these best-selling Roses books reflects a shared trust in proven methods that help enthusiasts nurture vibrant, flourishing plants year after year.

These books stand out not just for their popularity but for the authority of their authors. Clair G. Martin and Saxon Holt’s focused expertise on English Roses, David Austin’s deep knowledge of shrub and climbing roses, and Peter Beales’s encyclopedic insights showcase a range of expert approaches. Their works have become staples in the rose-growing community, influencing gardeners worldwide.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Roses needs might consider creating a personalized Roses book that combines these validated approaches with unique growing conditions and goals. This way, you can blend trusted wisdom with your personal gardening journey.

Best for English rose enthusiasts
Smith & Hawken: 100 English Roses for the American Garden stands out by concentrating solely on English Roses and their adaptation to North American gardens. This book combines detailed cultivation advice with beautiful full-color photographs and practical resources like a cultivar index and public garden listings. It meets the needs of gardeners who want to blend the fragrance and charm of Old Garden Roses with the color and bloom frequency of modern hybrids. Its focused approach offers clear instruction on planting, feeding, and pruning, making it an excellent companion for anyone aiming to nurture thriving English Roses in their own garden.
1997·272 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Plant Care, Pruning Techniques

Smith & Hawken: 100 English Roses for the American Garden delivers a focused exploration of English Roses tailored for North American gardeners, born from Clair G. Martin and Saxon Holt's deep horticultural experience. You learn how to select the right cultivars, master planting techniques, and maintain these roses through feeding and pruning, supported by vivid full-color photography and practical cultivar indexes. The book’s detailed attention to the unique needs of this hybrid rose variety helps you create a thriving garden that blends Old Garden charm with modern bloom patterns. If you're an enthusiast eager to cultivate fragrant, continuous-blooming roses, this book guides you through every step with clarity and precision.

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Best for mastering rose pruning
"Pruning Made Easy" stands out in the roses category for its clear, focused approach to the art of pruning rose trees, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs. This vintage guide, now republished with a fresh introduction, appeals to gardeners who appreciate practical instruction paired with illustrative detail. It addresses the core needs of gardeners aiming to master pruning techniques that promote plant health and beauty. By concentrating specifically on pruning methods, the book fills a niche for those wanting to enhance their garden's vitality and appearance with proven, time-tested practices.
2010·184 pages·Roses, Tree, Gardening, Horticulture, Pruning Techniques

Drawing from decades of horticultural insight, H H Thomas offers a focused manual on pruning that zeroes in on rose trees alongside fruit and ornamental varieties. You get straightforward, illustrated guidance covering essential pruning techniques tailored specifically to roses, fruit trees, and shrubs, helping you understand not only how but when and why to prune for optimal growth. Chapters like "Pruning Rose Trees" break down practical skills such as timing cuts and shaping plants for health and aesthetics. This book suits gardeners who want to deepen their hands-on pruning skills with a vintage yet accessible approach, though those seeking modern gardening trends might need to supplement with current resources.

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Best for custom care plans
This custom AI book on rose cultivation is created specifically based on your gardening background, skill level, and the rose care topics you want to focus on. By sharing your unique goals and the challenges you face in your garden, the book is crafted to cover exactly what you need to grow thriving roses. Personalization matters here because rose care varies greatly depending on your climate, soil, and experience, so this book helps you learn the most relevant and effective methods for your situation.
2025·50-300 pages·Roses, Rose Cultivation, Planting Techniques, Pruning Methods, Pest Management

This tailored book explores battle-tested methods for rose care designed to suit your garden's unique conditions and your gardening experience. It combines popular, proven rose cultivation knowledge with insights focused on your specific interests and goals. By delving into personalized techniques for planting, pruning, pest management, and soil care, the content matches your background, enabling a deeper understanding of what it takes to nurture thriving roses. The book reveals how to adapt classic practices to your environment, helping you cultivate vibrant, healthy roses year after year. With a focus on your individual gardening journey, it offers a custom exploration of reader-validated knowledge that supports your success in rose mastery.

Tailored Guide
Garden Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for appreciating historic varieties
Jane Eastoe, a journalist and author with over three decades of experience, combines her love of plants and deep connection to the British countryside in this book. Her background in fashion journalism and personal journey toward gardening gives her a unique perspective on vintage roses, blending historical insight with practical advice. Driven by a desire for a more fulfilling life and a passion for flowers, Eastoe brings you a guide that is as much about appreciating beauty and heritage as it is about growing roses successfully.
Vintage Roses: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden book cover

by Jane Eastoe, Georgianna Lane··You?

2017·240 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Vintage Roses, Fragrance

When Jane Eastoe first realized how much history and character vintage roses carry, she crafted this book to share that passion with gardeners of every skill level. You’ll find a curated selection of 60 rose varieties, each chosen for their striking appearance, fragrance, and ease of growth, making it clear that roses aren’t just for seasoned horticulturists. The book’s blend of evocative stories behind roses like Anne Boleyn and Leonardo da Vinci with straightforward growing tips offers you both inspiration and practical knowledge. Whether you’ve got a sprawling garden or just a small space, this guide helps you appreciate and cultivate roses that bring timeless charm without fuss.

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Best for low-maintenance gardeners
Paul Zimmerman has over 20 years of experience in landscaping and roses. He is a rose expert, lecturer, and author of "Everyday Roses." Paul is dedicated to educating and promoting rose growing, bringing his deep knowledge and practical approach to gardeners who want beautiful, low-maintenance roses in their landscapes.
2013·192 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Plant Care

Paul Zimmerman's two decades of expertise in landscaping and rose cultivation come through clearly in this approachable guide to growing Knock Out® and other easy-care garden roses. You learn how to establish and maintain roses that require minimal fuss, focusing on varieties that thrive without heavy chemical use or complicated care routines. Chapters cover everything from selecting the right rose types for your landscape to practical advice on planting, pruning, and pest management, making it a solid resource if you want to enjoy vibrant, long-blooming roses without the typical headaches. This book suits homeowners and casual gardeners eager to add beauty to their yards without dedicating excessive time or effort.

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Best for organic rose care
Melinda R. Cordell brings decades of horticultural expertise to this guide, having managed a public rose garden with more than 300 varieties. Her experience shines through in a book that makes rose gardening accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. Cordell’s practical knowledge and humor provide you with a friendly companion for cultivating vibrant roses with less effort.
2016·146 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Plant Care, Pruning Techniques

What started as Melinda R. Cordell’s extensive hands-on experience managing a public rose garden blossomed into this approachable guide for rose enthusiasts. You’ll learn how to cultivate roses without the usual fuss, including practical pruning techniques, fertilizer use for lush foliage, and selecting varieties that thrive even under less-than-ideal conditions. The book also offers insights into organic pest control and historical context for rose varieties, making it a rich resource whether you’re starting out or refining your garden. If you’ve struggled with rose care before, this book demystifies the process with down-to-earth advice and plenty of humor.

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Best for rapid rose revival
This AI-created book on rose revival is crafted according to your gardening background and specific goals. You share which rose care areas matter most to you and your current experience, and the book focuses on fast, effective steps tailored for your roses' health. This personalized AI book helps you avoid generic advice, zooming in on what will truly make your roses thrive within 30 days.
2025·50-300 pages·Roses, Rose Care, Pruning Techniques, Soil Nutrition, Pest Management

This tailored book explores rapid methods to rejuvenate your roses within just 30 days, focusing on your unique garden conditions and personal rosarian interests. It reveals tailored care routines, nutrient plans, and pruning techniques that align with your background and goals. Combining widely validated rose cultivation knowledge with your specific concerns, this book examines the essentials of rose health revival, addressing pest management, soil enhancement, and seasonal adjustments. By matching expert advice to your individual needs, it offers a clear path to restoring vitality and bloom vigor in your roses efficiently. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with rose care practices most relevant to your gardening journey.

Tailored Guide
Growth Stimulation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for shrub and climber growers
David Austin's Shrub Roses and Climbing Roses stands out in the roses category with its detailed coverage of approximately 560 rose varieties, accompanied by over 160 vivid color photographs. The book offers practical cultivation and pruning advice tailored to the main rose groups, reflecting Austin's deep expertise as a breeder and commercial grower. Its compact, pocket-sized design makes it an accessible companion for gardeners who want to improve their rose care and selection. This guide addresses the needs of rose enthusiasts aiming to refine their gardening techniques and expand their understanding of shrub and climbing roses.
2007·288 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Shrub Roses, Climbing Roses

David Austin's extensive experience as a rose breeder and commercial grower clearly shapes this guide, which catalogs around 560 roses with specific cultivation and pruning instructions tailored to each main rose group. The book's pocket-sized format and over 160 color photographs make it both accessible and practical for those hands-on with garden care. You'll find detailed insights into shrub and climbing roses that go beyond simple descriptions, helping you understand how to nurture these plants effectively. This serves gardeners seeking to deepen their knowledge of rose varieties and care techniques, though casual readers might find the level of detail more suited to dedicated enthusiasts.

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Best for comprehensive rose knowledge
Peter Beales’s Classic Roses stands out in the field for its combination of authoritative text and detailed illustrations, making it a trusted guide for those passionate about rose gardening. This book compiles extensive knowledge on old roses, shrub roses, and climbers, providing practical advice alongside historical insights. Its comprehensive approach benefits anyone who wants to identify varieties accurately and master cultivation techniques. With over 500 pages, this manual addresses the needs of gardeners seeking to enrich their gardens with classic rose species and care for them effectively.
1997·512 pages·Roses, Gardening, Horticulture, Plant Care, Shrub Roses

Peter Beales's decades of expertise in cultivating roses culminate in this richly illustrated encyclopedia that serves both as a reference and a grower's manual. You gain detailed insights into old roses, shrub roses, and climbers, supported by practical guidance on identification, planting, and care techniques. The book’s extensive cataloging of varieties, complete with historical context and cultivation tips, makes it a standout for gardeners eager to deepen their knowledge or expand their collections. Whether you're nurturing a backyard garden or managing a specialist nursery, this volume offers clear, hands-on information grounded in Beales's lifelong passion and experience with roses.

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Best for botanical art lovers
Rosie Sanders is an accomplished artist whose botanical paintings have graced prominent galleries including the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens. With five Gold medals from the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Academy miniature award, her expertise underpins this collection of rose paintings. Living in Devon, she continues to inspire through her residential and non-residential botanical painting courses, bringing a unique depth and authenticity to this celebration of roses in art.
2019·144 pages·Roses, Botanical Art, Painting Techniques, Floral Symbolism, Artistic Process

Rosie Sanders' artistic journey led her to craft this exquisite homage to roses, blending her award-winning botanical painting expertise with heartfelt storytelling. In this volume, you explore over 50 original rose paintings, each paired with personal letters revealing the emotional and creative sparks behind the art. Alongside vivid depictions, Sanders offers insights into the cultural and mythical significance of roses, enriching your appreciation beyond mere visuals. Whether you're a botanical art enthusiast or a rose lover, this book invites you into an intimate dialogue between artist, flower, and viewer, offering not just images but a window into the artistic process and floral symbolism.

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Conclusion

The diverse collection of these eight Roses books covers everything from pruning and organic care to vintage varieties and botanical art. They offer frameworks that have been validated by countless gardeners, helping you cultivate roses with confidence and creativity.

If you prefer proven methods for rose maintenance, start with Paul Zimmerman’s "Everyday Roses" and H H Thomas’s "Pruning Made Easy." For those looking to deepen their knowledge of rose varieties, David Austin’s and Peter Beales’s guides provide detailed expertise. Combining these books can enrich your understanding and skills.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Roses book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in cultivating beautiful, thriving roses.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Everyday Roses" by Paul Zimmerman if you want straightforward, low-maintenance guidance. For pruning basics, "Pruning Made Easy" offers clear, practical advice that’s accessible for all skill levels.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Roses?

Not at all. Many books like "Rose to the Occasion" and "Vintage Roses" are designed for beginners, offering approachable tips alongside rich background to build your confidence gradually.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with practical care guides such as "Everyday Roses" and "Pruning Made Easy," then explore variety-focused books like "Classic Roses" or "Vintage Roses" to deepen your understanding.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly pick one based on your priorities, but combining a care guide with a variety-focused book offers a well-rounded approach to rose gardening success.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Pruning Made Easy" provides step-by-step pruning techniques you can apply immediately to improve your rose health and appearance.

Can personalized Roses books complement these expert guides?

Yes! Personalized Roses books build on expert advice by tailoring methods to your specific garden conditions and goals. They combine proven strategies with your unique needs. Learn more here.

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