Centifolia roses are sometimes referred to as Cabbage Roses, because of their large, rounded flowers packed with many overlapping petals. The name can make them sound like one particular rose, but Centifolias are actually a whole class of Old Garden Roses, just like Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Chinas, Teas, and Bourbons.
These roses are best known for their full, soft-looking blooms, usually in shades of pink, blush, or rose. Most flower once in late spring or early summer, often with a rich old rose fragrance. Their heavy blooms and informal growth give them a very traditional garden character, especially in cottage gardens and heritage rose collections.
A Little History
Centifolia roses became popular in Europe from around the 16th and 17th centuries. Their exact ancestry is complex, but they are generally thought to have developed from older European rose groups.
They are strongly associated with Dutch and Flemish flower paintings, where their large, full blooms were often shown in still life arrangements. Because of this, they are sometimes thought of as the classic “old painting” rose.
What Centifolia Roses Look Like
Centifolia roses usually have large, very full flowers with many petals. The blooms often have a rounded, slightly nodding shape, especially after rain or when fully open.
Most are pink, blush, or soft rose in color, though shades vary between varieties. The shrubs tend to have a loose, informal habit rather than a neat modern rose shape.
Fragrance
Many Centifolia roses are strongly fragrant, with a rich old rose scent. Their perfume is one of the main reasons they are still grown today.
They are best planted where the flowers can be enjoyed up close, such as near paths, seating areas, gates, or garden entrances.
A Striped Centifolia
Rosa centifolia ‘Variegata’, also known as Village Maid, is one of the most unusual roses in the Centifolia group. Variegated flowers are quite rare in Centifolias, which makes its soft pink-and-white striped blooms especially distinctive. It is generally treated as a Centifolia and is often described as a sport or striped form of the old Cabbage Rose, rather than a completely separate type.
The blooms are very fragrant, with a sweet old rose perfume, and the shrub is known for being vigorous, robust, and very thorny, with plenty of prickles. Like many old roses, it flowers mainly in summer rather than repeatedly, so its display is seasonal, but memorable. Its striped petals, strong scent, and uncommon coloring make it one of the most eye-catching members of the Centifolia class.
How to Use Centifolia Roses in the Garden
Centifolias suit cottage gardens, heritage rose gardens, mixed borders, and informal shrub plantings. They look best in relaxed garden settings where their natural shape is allowed to show.
Because many only flower once, they are often best combined with perennials, later-flowering roses, or shrubs that provide interest after the main rose flush has finished.
Good companion plants include:
Lavender, Catmint, Hardy geraniums, Foxgloves, Delphiniums, Campanulas, Salvias, Peonies, Other old-fashioned perennials
Growing and Care Tips
Centifolia roses prefer fertile, well-drained soil and a position with good sun. They are generally hardy, but their heavy blooms can suffer in wet weather.
Pruning should be light. Like many once-flowering old roses, Centifolias usually bloom on older wood, so hard winter pruning can reduce flowering.
A simple care routine is usually best:
- Remove dead, damaged, or weak growth.
- Thin crowded stems if needed.
- Shape lightly after flowering.
- Give the shrub enough room to grow naturally.
- Provide support if the stems become too loose or heavy.
Centifolias: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Large, full, old-fashioned blooms
- Often strongly fragrant
- Good for cottage and heritage gardens
- Attractive in informal borders
- Strong historical character
- Usually hardy once established
Weaknesses
- Usually flowers only once per season
- Heavy blooms can droop
- Flowers may ball or spoil in wet weather
- Growth can be loose or untidy
- Not ideal for formal bedding displays
- Availability may be limited compared with modern roses
Centifolia roses are best appreciated as informal old garden shrubs with large, fragrant flowers. They are not the neatest roses, but in the right setting their full pink blooms have a charm that is hard to replace.
Browse Antique Roses
