About Us

Reliable Roses is a small unique Specialist Rose Farm/Nursery situated at the foothills of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges in Silvan, Victoria (approx. 60 kms. east of Melbourne).  It was established in 1976, and comprises a wonderful collection of Species and Old-Fashioned Roses, as well as selected Modern Roses from the past which are not easily obtainable nowadays.  With the knowledge and experience in propagating, growing, selling, promoting, exhibiting at various rose events, and judging at international rose trial gardens, we can offer genuine advice to interested rose growers and floral art enthusiasts. 

We have on previous occasions, and presently hold the Rose Society of Victoria - Victorian Championship for Species and Old Garden Roses - and we regularly showcase our rare and beautiful Species and Old Roses at Rose Society shows.  Our quite large, interesting and varied Species Rose Collection is particularly suited to woodland settings and provides colourful stems, interesting foliage, attractive flowers and some unique and fascinating hips/heps, making for beautiful autumn garden landscapes and floral art arrangements for the home. 

Our Old-Fashioned Rose Collection comprises most Classes of Roses from centuries’ past, including Albas, Gallicas, Hybrid Gallicas, Damasks, Centifolias, Mosses, Portlands, Bourbons and Hybrid Perpetuals.  We also grow Hybrid Musk, Polyantha, China, and some Australian - Alister Clark - roses.  We have found that many of the Old-Fashioned Roses are hardy and drought-tolerant and have the ability to cope with various weather and soil conditions, need little pruning and once established can survive for many years.

Most are incredibly beautiful, charming, and fragrant. Some have an added interest in that they have been named for well-known historic figures; who wouldn’t want roses from that bygone era, that history, fragrance and romance in their own beautiful gardens?  We would be truly saddened to see these charming Old Roses disappear from nurserymen’s catalogues and then no longer be available for present and future generations to enjoy.  We are dedicated and passionate growers of long-standing, whose wish is to perpetuate the Species and Old-Fashioned Roses and along the way we hope that we can encourage you to experience the pleasure and happiness of growing these truly timeless treasures from the past.