The Atlas Obscura Podcast Portland’s War of the Roses
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Sep 17, 2025 Rachel Burlington, the curator of Portland’s International Rose Test Garden, shares the fascinating history of this floral haven, home to over 10,000 rose bushes. During WWI, Portland aimed to protect European roses, but Rachel discovered that the story behind this mission isn’t quite as it seems. The discussion dives into the city’s rivalry with Tacoma and Seattle for the proud title of 'City of Roses.' Listeners also learn about innovative cultivation techniques that produce unique rose varieties, showcasing the garden's significance in horticultural innovation.
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Garden Scale And Curatorial Mission
- The International Rose Test Garden houses over 10,000 rose bushes and about 625 varieties, making it both vast and diverse.
- Rachel Burlington curates the garden and researches its origins to separate myth from history.
WWI Rescue Story Is Doubtful
- The popular origin story says Portland saved European roses during WWI, but Rachel found no corroborating evidence for that narrative.
- Her archival research reframes the garden's founding as more complex than the romantic legend.
Roses Shaped Portland's Identity
- Portland became obsessed with roses and adopted the 'City of Roses' identity around its 1905 exposition and rose shows.
- Rose societies and public plantings, including parades and 200 miles of roses, cemented that civic identity.