Damask Roses
Ancient roses known in the western world bloomed
only in the spring or early summer. But Virgil mentioned a rose with a
"double spring"--undoubtedlly what is now called an Autumn Damask, blooming
both spring and fall. Reaching Mediterranean ports around 800 to 600 BCE,
Damasks have been valued not only for their lush flowers but also their
magnificent perfume. Still the source of the finest rose oil, Damasks are
processed for attar (from the Persian word for perfume essence) in France
and, primarily, Bulgaria. Flowers are beautifully formed, pink or white,
and usually once-blooming with some exceptions. They are generally hardy
through zone 4, and some tolerate shade. The shrubs can be shaped by pruning
which should be done after flowering. Remove some old wood each year to
allow the growth of young wood.
The Portland roses are similar to the Damasks,
but most of them are recurrent. We will include the Portlands in this list.
Celsiana
Delicate, semi-double blooms of soft pink open
wide to show golden stamens. Their fragrance is lovely and particularly
valuable for potpourri. Blossoms are in clusters on a graceful, 4' bush
with smooth, grey-green foliage and arching canes. (<1750)
Comte de Chambord
One of the best of the Damasks, this has graceful
buds opening to bright pink, cupped and quartered blossoms that age a lilac-mauve.
The very fragrant blooms have good repeat. The shrub is upright and vigorous.
4' (1860)
Jacques Cartier
Called "Marquise Bocella" by The American Rose
Society, this rose has large, clear pink blossoms packed with petals that
open to rosette form and age a pale pink. Blossoms are closely surrounded
by foliage--a characteristic of the Portland roses, as is the good repeat
bloom. They are intensely fragrant and make good cut flowers. Compact and
erect, the 3' plant is good for tubs or small gardens and tolerates part
shade. (1868,J.C. or 1842,M.C.)
Leda
Sometimes called the "Painted Damask", Leda
has buds that look unpromising, but they open to lovely, informal, double
blossoms of white with rose-red edging and shading near the center. The
petals are thin and delicate, and the rose is very fragrant. There are
occasional blooms late in the summer on this compact, 4' bush. (<1827)
Mme. Hardy
Often termed the most beautiful white rose of
all time, Mme. Hardy qualifies from its lovely buds through its snow white,
very double flowers that open flat, showing green button eyes. Very fragrant
flowers appear in clusters on a healthy bush that can be pegged down or
pruned to promote more shoots and blooms. 5' (1832)
Rose de Rescht
A small gem, this Autumn Damask rose has rosettes
of deep crimson-fuchsia that repeat very well over the season. The plants
have abundant, dark green foliage and are suited for a small hedge, containers,
or the small garden. 2'-3' (date unknown)
Copyright © 2000 Orion Farm
