Guide to the World’s Oldest Rose Varieties
Roses have been cultivated for thousands of years and hold deep symbolic meaning across many cultures. Below are some of the oldest and most enduring rose varieties known for their beauty, fragrance, and resilience.
1. Rosa gallica (The Gallica Rose)
Origin: Central and Southern Europe, cultivated since ancient times.
History: One of the earliest cultivated roses, dating back to the Greeks and Romans.
Features: Deep pink to crimson blooms with a strong fragrance; blooms once in summer.
Famous Varieties: Rosa gallica officinalis (also called the Apothecary's Rose) – used in medieval medicine.
2. Rosa damascena (Damask Rose)
Origin: Believed to be from Syria; brought to Europe during the Crusades.
History: Cultivated for centuries for its strong fragrance and oil production.
Features: Light to deep pink blooms with a rich, complex scent; some bloom once, others repeat.
Uses: Essential for rose oil and rose water; still grown in Bulgaria, Iran, and Turkey for perfumery.
3. Rosa chinensis (China Rose)
Origin: China, with cultivation records over 1,000 years old.
History: A game-changer in rose breeding; introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
Features: Small blooms in shades of red, pink, or white; blooms repeatedly.
Legacy: Contributed to the creation of modern hybrid teas and floribundas.
4. Rosa moschata (Musk Rose)
Origin: Likely from the Himalayas or Middle East.
History: Known in Europe by the 16th century, referenced in Shakespeare’s works.
Features: White, fragrant flowers in loose clusters; blooms later than other old roses.
Note: Often used in the breeding of modern shrub roses.
5. Rosa alba (White Rose)
Origin: Ancient hybrid, likely from Rosa gallica and Rosa canina.
History: Known since Roman times; symbol of purity and love.
Features: White to pale pink flowers, very fragrant; blooms once in early summer.
Famous Variety: Great Maiden’s Blush – known for its delicate pink blush.
6. Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose or Provence Rose)
Origin: Developed in the Netherlands in the 17th century.
History: Popular in classical paintings and Dutch still-lifes.
Features: Hundreds of petals per bloom (hence "centifolia"), strong fragrance.
Use: Widely used in perfumery, especially in Grasse, France.
7. Rosa foetida (Persian Yellow)
Origin: Western Asia.
History: Introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
Features: Bright yellow blooms with a distinct, musky scent.
Legacy: Source of yellow color in rose breeding; parent of many hybrid roses.
8. Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks’ Rose)
Origin: Native to China; introduced to the West in the 1800s.
History: Among the oldest cultivated climbing roses in China.
Features: Thornless canes, clusters of small white or yellow flowers, lightly fragrant.
Famous Specimen: The world’s largest rosebush in Tombstone, Arizona, is a Rosa banksiae.
Caring for Old Roses
Soil: Well-drained, rich soil with good organic matter.
Water: Deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep roots.
Pruning: Light shaping after blooming; avoid hard pruning.
Fertilizer: Compost and aged manure work best for these heritage varieties.
