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For thousands of years, roses have been cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and symbolism. Long before modern hybrid teas and floribundas filled our gardens, ancient rose species bloomed in monastery walls, Persian gardens, and Chinese courtyards.
This florist guide explores the world’s oldest rose varieties—living connections to humanity’s shared love of the rose.

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1. Rosa gallica – The Apothecary’s Rose

Origin: Central and Southern Europe, before the 12th century
Also known as: Rosa gallica officinalis

History

One of the oldest cultivated roses in the Western world, Rosa gallica was grown by the Romans and prized in medieval Europe for its medicinal qualities—hence the name “Apothecary’s Rose.” The monks of Cluny Abbey in France cultivated it extensively for use in healing balms and perfumes.

Characteristics

• Color: Deep pink to crimson
• Fragrance: Rich and spicy
• Bloom time: Once in early summer
• Growth habit: Compact, upright, 3–4 ft tall
• Hardiness: Excellent; tolerates cold and poor soil

Garden use

A superb choice for historical gardens, hedgerows, or cottage borders. It symbolizes love that endures through hardship.

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2. Rosa damascena – The Damask Rose

Origin: Middle East (possibly Syria or Persia), ancient times
Also known as: Rose of Damascus

History

Legend says crusaders brought the Damask rose to Europe in the 13th century, though it was cultivated in Persia and the Levant long before. It became the foundation of the rose oil and attar trade—especially in Bulgaria’s “Valley of Roses.”

Characteristics

• Color: Soft pink to deep rose
• Fragrance: Exceptionally strong and complex—spicy, floral, and honeyed
• Bloom time: Some varieties bloom once, others twice per season
• Growth habit: Tall, arching canes up to 6 ft

Garden use

Plant where its perfume can be enjoyed. The petals are edible and used in traditional rosewater and jams.

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3. Rosa centifolia – The Cabbage Rose

Origin: Holland, 16th century (likely a hybrid of R. gallica × R. damascena)
Also known as: Provence Rose

History

This opulent, many-petaled rose became immortalized in 17th-century Dutch paintings. Its heady scent and lush form made it a favorite in perfumery—especially in the French perfume capital, Grasse.

Characteristics

• Color: Soft pink to rose-purple
• Fragrance: Sweet and intense
• Bloom time: Once in summer
• Growth habit: Arching shrub, up to 5 ft tall
• Petals: Up to 100 per flower

Garden use

Excellent for old-fashioned gardens and cut flowers. Its full blooms and strong scent embody classic romance.

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4. Rosa alba – The White Rose of York

Origin: Possibly ancient hybrid of R. gallica and R. canina, before the 15th century
Also known as: White Rose of York

History

This elegant, pale rose was adopted as the emblem of the House of York during England’s Wars of the Roses. It is one of the hardiest old garden roses, long admired for its purity and resilience.

Characteristics

• Color: White to pale blush
• Fragrance: Delicate and fresh
• Bloom time: Once in early summer
• Growth habit: Upright, graceful shrub up to 6 ft

Garden use

Ideal for colder climates and formal gardens. Its serene beauty complements stone walls or shaded borders.

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5. Rosa rugosa – The Japanese Rose

Origin: Eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, Siberia), cultivated since antiquity

History

Native to the coasts of Northeast Asia, Rosa rugosa was introduced to Europe in the 18th century but has ancient roots in Japan, where it was valued for both its beauty and edible hips. It remains one of the toughest and most disease-resistant roses.

Characteristics

• Color: Pink, magenta, or white
• Fragrance: Strong and sweet
• Bloom time: Repeats from summer into autumn
• Growth habit: Dense, thorny shrub up to 5 ft tall
• Hips: Large, red-orange, and vitamin-rich

Garden use

Excellent for coastal gardens, hedges, and naturalized plantings. Tolerant of wind, salt, and poor soil.

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6. Rosa chinensis – The China Rose

Origin: China, cultivated for over a thousand years

History

The China rose revolutionized Western rose breeding when it was brought to Europe in the late 18th century. Unlike European species, it could bloom repeatedly—making modern perpetual-flowering roses possible. Ancient Chinese poets praised it as “the monthly rose.”

Characteristics

• Color: Wide range, from pink and red to yellow
• Fragrance: Light, tea-like
• Bloom time: Continuous or recurrent throughout the season
• Growth habit: Graceful shrub, 3–5 ft tall

Garden use

Valued for its long bloom and elegance. It bridges the old world of species roses and the new era of modern hybrids.

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Growing Ancient Roses Today

Old rose varieties reward patience and care with unmatched fragrance and authenticity.
They prefer:

• Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
• Well-drained, fertile soil
• Moderate pruning—removing only dead or weak wood
• Minimal chemicals—these resilient roses evolved before modern pesticides

Their beauty lies not in perfection but in their history: each blossom connects us to centuries of human cultivation and admiration.

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