Best Roses to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 47 rose varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
47
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
16
easy to grow
Heirloom
7
heritage varieties
Hawaii in USDA Zones 10–13
Hawaii spans Zones 10–13. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Roses in Hawaii
Zone 10's nearly year-round growing season is both a blessing and a challenge for rose enthusiasts. With an average of 320 frost-free days, you can enjoy blooms almost continuously, but the intense summer heat and high humidity create stress that many rose varieties simply can't handle. The key is selecting heat-tolerant varieties that can withstand temperatures often exceeding 90°F for months while maintaining disease resistance in humid conditions.
The roses that thrive in Zone 10 share common characteristics: strong root systems, excellent disease resistance (especially to black spot and powdery mildew), and the ability to continue blooming through extreme heat. Varieties like the robust Knock Out series, heat-loving Hybrid Teas such as Mister Lincoln and Tropicana, and resilient English roses like Abraham Darby have proven themselves in the subtropical climate. These selections offer the perfect balance of beauty, fragrance, and the toughness needed to flourish when other roses would struggle.
Zone 10 Roses for Hawaii★ Most of HI
47 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Roses for Hawaii
47 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
In Zone 10, timing your rose planting is crucial for establishment success. Plant bare-root roses between late December and early February, taking advantage of the mild winter temperatures and the January 31st average last frost date. Container roses can be planted almost year-round, but avoid the brutal summer months of July and August when heat stress makes establishment difficult. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and always plant in locations with good air circulation to combat fungal diseases.
The extended growing season means roses rarely go fully dormant, so adjust your care routine accordingly. Provide afternoon shade during the hottest months, especially for darker-colored varieties like Black Baccara and Oklahoma which absorb more heat. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and maintain consistent soil moisture. Disease prevention is critical in the humid climate – choose resistant varieties and avoid overhead watering. Light pruning can be done almost year-round, but save major pruning for late January when plants are semi-dormant.