Antique Roses: Damask

The original old fashioned rose, used for attar of roses: Introduction

The Damask rose was introduced officially in Europe during the XIII century.Thought to be brought from Persia; but was probably in Europe before that since it shows up in ancient Roman frescoes. Specifically the Autumn Damask rose R. damascena can be found nowadays in the wilds around Morocco, Andalusia, the Middle East and the Caucasus, it may also be a descendant of the musk rose.

These roses are shrubs and are also included in what is referred to as old garden roses (OGR), Heritage or Antiques. Damasks are related to gallicas. Summer damasks are crosses between gallicas and R. phoenicea and autumn damasks between Gallicas and R. moschata.

These varieties are very resistant, vigorous and robust with vicious thorns. They develop into large tall plants, mostly growing to around 4ft x 36 in / 1.2m x 90cm. Use a damask in the garden as a feature, by itself or in mixed borders and beds.

Damasks Are Easy To Grow

Damask roses require minimal care and are easy to grow, they tolerate any type of soil except chalk. Give them some general fertilizer in spring and rose food in mid-summer and cover the soil at their base with organic mulch and they will be happy. Some pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, cut out the weak or diseased stems just enough to establish a good plant shape, cut dead heads in late summer also.

Exceptionally Fragrant

Damasks flowers are the most fragrant roses from the Old Garden. In ancient times they were grown for perfume, rose oil or attar of roses, cosmetic products were made from them. There has been recent research done on R. damascena essential oil, to prove its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-microbial activities.

Most Damasks only have one flush of flowers, in summer. An exception is the rose ‘Autumn Damask’ that flowers during summer and autumn, repeatedly. Flowers are semi-double or double blooms made of velvety petals. Damask roses are known for their 60 petals and were treated as queens in Persian and Arabian gardens

Why Damask Roses Are So Fragrant

One of the defining features of Damask roses is their extraordinary fragrance. Many rose enthusiasts consider them among the most strongly scented roses ever cultivated.

Their perfume is rich, sweet, and complex, often described as containing hints of spice, fruit, honey, and citrus. Unlike many modern roses that may have only a mild fragrance, Damasks were traditionally selected specifically for scent production.

This powerful fragrance is why Damask roses are still commercially harvested for:

rose oil (rose otto)
rose absolute
rose water
perfumes
soaps and cosmetics

The flowers are often harvested by hand very early in the morning when the fragrance oils are at their strongest.

Growing Damask Roses

Damask roses are generally hardy, vigorous shrubs with an informal, slightly arching growth habit. They suit cottage gardens, heritage gardens, and traditional rose collections particularly well.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Damask roses generally prefer:

full sun
fertile, well-drained soil
good airflow
regular watering during dry periods

They usually perform best in temperate climates and benefit from winter pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.

Flowering Habits

Traditional Summer Damasks flower once during early summer, producing a spectacular flush of highly scented blooms.

Autumn Damasks, sometimes called Four Seasons Damasks, may flower again later in the season, although usually less heavily than the main flowering period.

FAQ

Are Damask roses repeat flowering?

Some are repeat flowering, particularly Autumn Damasks, although many bloom only once in early summer.

Which Damask rose has the strongest fragrance?

‘Ispahan’ is often considered one of the most strongly scented Damask roses.

Can Damask roses be used for rose water?

Yes. Damask roses are one of the primary roses traditionally used for rose water and rose oil production.

Are Damask roses difficult to grow?

No. Most Damask roses are hardy and relatively easy to grow in suitable climates with good sunlight and drainage.

Pink Leda medium pink, double blooms
Ispahan aka Rose d’Isfahan, Pompon des Princes, pink double flowers
Celsiana aka Abondante, Belle Couronnee, De Cels, Incarnata Maxima, La Coquette, Mutabilis, Van Huysum: light pink, semi-double blooms
La Ville de Bruxelles aka Ville de Bruxelles – medium pink, double blooms
Rose d’Hivers – white flowers, shade tolerant
Blush Damask aka Blush Gallica, Rosier de Damas a Petale teinte de rose – light pink double flowers
Professeur Emile Perrot aka Kazanlyk – medium pink, double quartered flowers
Omar Khayyam – medium pink, double quartered flowers
Madame Hardy aka Mme Hardy – pure white blooms, with delicious strong fragrance and light green foliage
Madame Knorr aka ‘Comte de Chambord’ – warm pink flowers; repeat flowering, in early summer to mid-summer, repeating in early to mid autumn.
Madame Zoetmans aka Mme. Soetmans, Mme. Zoetmans, – white, Double Quartered flowers.
Autumn aka Rosa x damascena var. semperflorens, Four Seasons, Quatre Saisons, Autumn Damask – medium pink double flowers, very fragrant. Repeating flowering during summer and autumn.