Damask Roses

Damask Roses are some of the oldest roses grown.  Some are believed to have been grown by the Romans.  The origins of the Damask Roses are lost in time.

As a class, Damasks can be characterized having an intense fragrance.   The Damask rose, Kazanlik, is still grown in Bulgaria for the perfume trade.   Attar of roses, and rose water are distilled from its petals.  Damasks tend to be upright vigorous growing shrubs.  The fountain characteristic (narrow at the base of the bush and wider at the top) is accentuated when a damask rose in full bloom.   The weight of all the flowers bends the branches down.

Damask colors are usually pink and white.  Damasks are some of the most stunningly beautiful of all of the old once blooming roses.  Every garden should have room for at least one damask rose, and that should be relatively easy, they come in all sizes.

Page maintained by Rose Fire, Ltd. and last updated on 09/20/00