Old Rose Garden :: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Old Rose Garden

Riverbanks' Old Rose Garden incorporates old roses with the perennials, annuals, vines and shrubs that complement them. Old roses have special ties to South Carolina's culture. One class of "old" roses, the Noisettes, was the first class of roses bred, evaluated and introduced to the world by the United States. All of the work took place in this state, so their point of origin is considered South Carolina.

Antique roses are noteworthy not only for their ties to the state's history, but also because of their ease of maintenance and the lush, fragrant blooms they produce all summer long. Old roses are very disease- and pest- resistant, and they require very little care. As a conservation-oriented organization, this is extremely important to Riverbanks, and as a result, we never spray our roses with fungicides or other chemicals. The Old Rose Garden features a comprehensive collection of Noisettes - one of the largest public collections in the world. Two other classes of "old" roses - Chinas and teas - are also featured in this garden. Representatives of other types of roses are grown here as well.

In the spring, the Old Rose Garden is in full, magnificent flower, and its sweet perfume permeates the air. Visitors can sit and relax in one of the wooden swings, enjoying the shade provided by climbing roses and clematis. While the roses bloom all summer long, after their peak in April and May, the rose garden offers many other delightful blossoms as the butterfly bushes, salvia, and gaura take center stage. Chrysanthemums provide bursts of color in the fall, and a variety of other plants offer pockets of blooms the rest of the year.

The entrance to the Woodland Walk, a serene half-mile trail through the woods, is also located in the Old Rose Garden. The natural pathway leads you past the Saluda Mill Ruins and Interpretive Center where you can learn about the first water-powered textile mill in South Carolina, and ends at the bridge to the Zoo. The walk includes some glorious views of the river and an abundance of wildlife and native plants to enjoy.

Favorite "Garden"
in the Botanical Garden

Rosa x 'Old Blush'

A china rose introduced in 1793. The medium pink fragrant flowers can be found on the shrub all through the season. This rose is the parentage for most modern roses. These roses are fragrant and repeat flowering.

Rosa x 'Mme Alfred Carriere'

Classed as a noisette rose. It is a very fragrant, white-flowered climber. Masses of flowers can be found throughout the season.

Rosa x 'Devoniensis Climbing'

A white climber introduced in 1841. The cream to pale pink flowered plant is rarely without flowers.

Aster 'Raydon's Favorite'

Bursts with color in autumn. These perennials grow rapidly to a height of 2-3 feet in full sun. They are very showy, low-growing, bushy plants producing hundreds of daisy-like blue-lavender flowers with yellow centers. Like most asters, they are very attractive to butterflies and make excellent cut flowers.

Crinum 'Ellen Bosanquet' and Crinum 'Bradley'

Signature plants of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. These old-fashioned, lily-like flowers are elegant and stunning. They have strappy foliage that goes dormant in the winter. The blooms come in shades of white, pink and magenta. Crinums grow in full sun and bloom in spring and summer. They make wonderful additions to any garden.

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