The garden was established during World War I as a refuge for hybrid roses from Europe to protect them from being destroyed during bombing raids.
Many roses currently in the garden were hybridized specifically for the testing program to ensure hardiness in the Pacific Northwest climate.
It is one of several locations globally that participate in the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) testing program.
The garden layout includes specific sections like the 'Gold Medal' area, which features award-winning roses from previous years of testing.
The Shakespeare Garden area is planted with flora specifically mentioned in the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare.
The garden operates on an elevation of approximately 600 feet, which influences the microclimate and blooming patterns of the roses.
Unlike a standard botanical garden, this site serves an active research function for the horticultural industry.
The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official rose test garden in the United States, established in 1917. It currently houses over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 600 varieties. Located within Washington Park, the garden serves as a site for testing new rose varieties for their resistance to disease, fragrance, and flower quality. The site features a sunken gold medal garden, a miniature rose garden, and the Shakespeare Garden. It is situated on a hillside providing views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood on clear days. The garden maintains a rigorous plant selection process, often receiving new cultivars from hybridizers worldwide. Its design facilitates both academic testing and public aesthetic enjoyment. It is maintained by the City of Portland as part of the Washington Park system.
The upper terrace near the main entrance offers the most expansive panoramic views of the entire garden with the Portland city skyline in the background.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the garden is built on a steep, terraced hillside with many stairs.
Bring a bottle of water, as the upper sections of the garden can be quite sunny and exposed during peak bloom.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid the heaviest pedestrian crowds and to better photograph the blooms in softer light.
Avoid visiting during the height of the summer heat in the middle of the day without sun protection, as there is limited shade in the main rose beds.
Open daily year-round, though the rose bloom is dormant during winter months.
Stay on marked paved paths to protect the garden beds, and do not pick or prune the roses.
