History of the International Rose Test Garden

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Portland, Oregon, is widely recognized as the "City of Roses," a title deeply rooted in its history and cultivated through civic dedication. Here's how Portland earned this floral distinction and why roses continue to symbolize the city's identity.

The Beginnings of Portland as the "City of Roses"

The story begins in 1889 with Georgiana Burton Pittock, a prominent gardener and Oregon Trail pioneer. She hosted Portland’s first informal rose display at her estate, The Pittock Mansion. What started as a modest garden showcase to raise funds for her church soon grew into an annual event, eventually captivating the city.

In 1890, the French hybrid tea rose Madame Caroline Testout made its debut. Renowned for its vibrant pink petals and magenta center, it quickly gained popularity in the U.S., finding a home in Portland gardens. By 1905, with the city preparing for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, Portland Rose Society members distributed Madame Caroline Testout roses to residents, encouraging citywide cultivation.

The effort paid off, with over 7,000 rose bushes blooming at the fairgrounds alone. These roses lined over 200 miles of Portland sidewalks, earning the city its "Rose City" nickname. After the exposition's success, Mayor Harry Lane initiated the annual Rose Festival in 1907, which remains a cherished tradition today.

The International Rose Test Garden

By 1917, Jesse A. Currey, an Oregon Journal editor and rose enthusiast, proposed the idea of a garden to protect European hybrid roses from World War I bombings. Portland embraced the concept, and by 1924, the International Rose Test Garden (IRTG) was established in Washington Park. Landscape architect Florence Holmes Gerke designed the garden and its amphitheater, serving as the first rose curator.

A Modern-Day Gem

Today, the IRTG features over 10,000 rose plants and 610 unique varieties across 4.5 acres. It remains the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the U.S., drawing 700,000 annual visitors. Highlights include the Royal Rosarian Garden, Queen's Walk, and Shakespeare Garden, each adding layers of history and beauty.

Preserving Portland's Rose Legacy

The Madame Caroline Testout roses, which once lined the city streets, can still be admired at iconic locations such as the Pittock Mansion, Ladd’s Addition, and the Zimmerman Heritage Farmhouse. Participating in Rose Festival events or planting roses in your garden helps uphold Portland's reputation as the "City of Roses."

Visit Rejuvenation Floor and Design

At Rejuvenation Floor and Design, we embrace Portland's rich history and pride ourselves on contributing to the local community. Visit our showroom in Portland’s Historic Hollywood District to explore flooring options that reflect the city's timeless beauty.