How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Old Garden Roses

Ah, the rose! There is so much history to unpack in understanding the notoriety of the most symbolic and notorious flower. These highly popular blooms have been cultivated by humans for more than a thousand years.

Roses have been grown for personal care, ornamental gardens, and culinary use since around 500 BC in the Chou Dynasty of China, ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire. Fossil records indicate that wild roses have grown on Earth for nearly 30 million years. 

Just over 150 years ago, artificial hybridization became a popular trend in rose cultivation. That advent brought about many of the thousands of common varieties we find today. But what about the predecessors to our modern roses? We are here to talk about these plants, referred to as old garden roses. 

What are Old Garden Roses?

The term “old garden rose” refers to any rose in existence before the year 1867, when the first hybrid rose was recorded in France. Also known as heirloom roses or antique roses, these plants are known for their exceptional hardiness and disease resistance. They are easy to grow and more tolerant of poor soil conditions than their modern offspring.

While the newer hybrid roses make up about 80% of the roses that we presently find in cultivation, heirloom roses still have their place in floristry. Their large, heavily scented blooms may be rarer than their modern counterparts, but rarity tends to breed fascination and appeal. These wonderful flowering perennials are still relevant today, and their beauty is not diminished by their antiquity.

History

While there is fossil evidence of roses dating back millions of years, the original garden roses are thought to have been cultivated during the Chou dynasty in China. These flowers, described by Confucius in the 500s BC, were grown in the imperial gardens for the emperor and his family to enjoy. They were revered in spiritual texts and literature as well.

Around 600 BC, there are records of roses being cultivated in Rome and Greece. Roses were celebrated in festivals and held great symbolic value that spanned a wide range of occasions and practices. Roses have significant roles in Greek and Roman mythology, as well as in Egyptian religious ceremonies.

It was not until 1867 that the first hybrid between the Chinese rose R. chinensis and the European roses of antiquity was recorded and named ‘La France.’ This cultivar marks the shift from old garden roses to the modern roses that are so prevalent today. 

Native Area

Old garden roses fall into five categories: damask, gallica, alba, centifolia, and moss. Their native range is predominantly in Europe, although this area overflows into some of the surrounding areas of Africa and the Middle East. 

Gallica roses are the oldest types. They were cultivated originally by the Greeks and Romans and later in France and the Netherlands. Damask roses originate in the Middle East and the surrounding areas and are known for their abundance of thorns. 

Alba roses are also known for their cold tolerance and graceful, blush-colored, highly fragrant blooms. Dutch breeders developed centifolia roses beginning in the 17th century, often referring to them as cabbage roses.

The last type, moss roses, come from a mutation of centifolias and damasks. They’re known for the mossy texture of their petals and strong fragrance. These were widely cultivated in Victorian England.

Characteristics

While hybridization has created a wide range of roses that bloom more often than the older varieties, old garden roses are still very much appreciated for their large, intricate flowers and, most notably, their strong, classic rose fragrance. These plants only bloom once per year, but the flowers are spectacular and well worth the wait. 

They tend to be more pest and disease-resistant than modern hybrids, as they have stood the test of time. Call it survival of the fittest. These plants were thriving long before our modern methods of pest and disease control. 

The flowers produced by these cultivars are of the double-petal form. They are large and densely petaled and often (but not always) open all the way to reveal golden stamens and pistils. The most common colors are pink and white, but there is a wide range of variation within those color families, with some flowers that are very nearly red, others closer to purple, and some deeper shades of cream and yellow. 

Some varieties of old garden rose bushes can grow up to 20 feet tall, although this is more the exception than the rule. Most shrubs grow to around six feet tall and have a V-shape or vase shape. Their disease and pest resistance make these plants easier to grow and maintain than many of their modern counterparts. 

Uses

Of course, the primary use of antique rose bushes continues to be ornamental. While they only account for about 20% of roses grown these days, they continue to be desirable in floristry for their strong, pleasant fragrance and spectacular flowers. In recent years, they have regained some popularity among gardeners due to their ease of care.

Many of the most coveted essential oils are derived from species of old garden roses. The damask rose, in particular, is used to make one of the more prevalent (and costly) essential oils. This species also has known pharmacological properties.

Naturally, these fragrant rose oils are popular in perfumery. Rose oil is also used cosmetically as a form of concentrated vitamin C (rosehip oil). It has regenerative properties when applied regularly to the skin. 

Finally, the rose has its place in culinary use. The British are notorious for creating beautiful jams, syrups, and teas using various parts of the flower. The petals make a beautiful garnish on baked goods. You can find these blossoms in a wide range of different cuisines. 

Where to Buy

Because they are less common than hybrid varieties, Old Garden Roses can be slightly more difficult to find at local nurseries. Although larger nurseries carry some varieties, it is easier to order these plants on the internet or from catalogs.

Planting

Planting is comparable to other types of roses with one exception: these old-time varieties tend to be more tolerant of partial shade. Purchase them as container or bare-root plants and transplant in the spring before they come out of their winter dormancy.

Before planting, rehydrate the rose by soaking the roots in a bucket of water. Loosen and amend the soil as needed, then dig a hole a little bigger than the root ball. Use a digging fork to break up the soil at the base of the hole to ensure the rose roots can push downward.

Position the plant in the middle of the hole, then backfill so the bottom of the stems sit just 1-2″ below the soil surface. Lightly firm the soil around the base and water well.

How to Grow

Because of their long period of adaptation, old garden roses tend to be hardier than their hybrid relatives. They are easier to grow, lower maintenance, more drought tolerant, and can handle a wider range of soil types.

Light

In general, roses prefer to grow in full sun. Ideally, they receive at least six hours of direct sun daily. This is where they will bloom best and have the densest foliage.

However, there are varieties that are more tolerant of partial sun conditions. Specifically, R. alba tends to be quite tolerant of lower light conditions and still produces its stunning creamy blush-colored blooms without full sun exposure. 

Water

Old garden roses are more drought tolerant than hybrid types once they are established. That doesn’t mean that they won’t benefit from watering, but they can survive without regular irrigation. Watering your roses will keep them looking lush and beautiful.

These plants prefer to be watered deeply and less frequently. A good long soaking once every week to ten days will encourage blooming and retention of foliage in the hot summer months. A soaker hose is great for this purpose, as it targets the roots and avoids wetting the foliage, which can contribute to fungal diseases. 

Soil

These roses are more well-adapted to poor soil conditions, but they will benefit from a spot with rich, well-drained soil. Prepare your soil by working some well-rotted compost or manure into the ground. This will both enrich the soil and help increase the drainage around the roots of your rose. 

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for these plants is between 60°-70°F (16°-21°C). This is when they will experience their most rapid growth. They are heat tolerant and can survive summers in Zone 8 and, in some cases, Zone 9. Most varieties are quite cold tolerant, surviving winters as far north as Zones 3-4. 

Many varieties can survive winter without intervention, but a nice thick layer of mulch never hurts. Mulching the ground around your roses before the ground freezes will help to maintain a higher soil temperature. Mulch is a great idea year-round, especially in the summer. It will help the soil to retain moisture. Roses are happiest with a humidity level between 50-70%. 

Fertilizing

Modern roses are heavy feeders, but antique varieties are hardier in this area as well. Still, feeding them regularly will increase their resilience and blooming. Rose enthusiasts swear by all kinds of special formulas, and some of them are likely very effective. For our part, though, we think that plain organic fertilizer is the way to go. 

You can find organic fertilizers formulated specifically for roses. Chemical fertilizers can be abrasive and cause fertilizer to burn far more easily. My preference is always organic slow-release fertilizers because they are gentler and more natural. They also release nutrients more gradually. 

Fertilize your roses with a balanced liquid diluted to half strength two weeks before the last expected frost date and then every six weeks thereafter until fall. Be sure to water your plants before applying fertilizer, as this helps to protect their roots.

Maintenance

Old garden roses need far less pruning than the more modern varieties. They can even refuse to bloom if pruned back too hard. Trim branches back by no more than ⅓ to keep your rose bush full and dense and promote new growth. Avoid pruning in the fall, as pruning will encourage new growth, which is more vulnerable to frost. 

The ideal time to prune is just after the bush has finished blooming. They bloom on winter-hardened wood, so pruning in the spring will reduce the number of blooms you see in that season. It is fine to trim your rose bush a bit once the leaves begin to come in, but only trim off dead or damaged limbs at this time. 

Growing in Containers

Old garden roses aren’t well suited to growing in containers because they have a sprawling growth habit. A smaller variety may survive well in a large pot, but if you want a rose to grow in a container, you’re better off with a miniature or smaller shrub rose. 

Propagation

New softwood cuttings are the best way to propagate these shrubs. Take your cuttings right after the bush has stopped blooming for best results. Make sure that you take yours from growth that has hardened off, as very new, soft growth is more likely to rot before it roots. 

Popular Varieties

‘Leda’

	botanical name Rosa x damascena ‘Leda’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3’-5’
	hardiness zones 5-9

‘Leda’ is a mid-sized rose bush with a trailing habit. The canes grow to about three feet long and look best when trained on a trellis or other support. This early summer bloomer produces gorgeous, fully double blooms in a milky white with just the slightest tint of pink. The outer petals are edged with a brighter pink on these highly fragrant blooms. 

‘La Ville de Bruxelles’

	botanical name Rosa x damascena ‘La Ville de Bruxelles’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5’
	hardiness zones 4-10

Introduced in 1849, ‘La Ville de Bruxelles’ has the largest flowers of the damask species. It is a mid-sized shrub that makes a nice hedge and has huge, cotton candy pink, very double-petaled blooms. It is an upright shrub with dense, light green foliage and a stunning cultivar. 

‘Tuscany Superb’

	botanical name Rosa gallica ‘Tuscany Superb’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3′-5′
	hardiness zones 4-9

‘Tuscany Superb’ dates back to 1837 and has dense foliage that complements its large, magenta semi-double blooms. Fully opened flowers reveal golden stamens tucked into the velvety petals. This is a very fragrant rose, and the plant is nearly thornless. It is relatively shade-tolerant and will still bloom well in dappled light. 

‘Spong’

	botanical name Rosa x centifolia ‘Spong’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3′-5′
	hardiness zones 4-9

‘Spong’ is a variety with rather small flowers. Although the flowers are only about one inch in diameter, they are surprisingly fragrant. These petite blooms are fully double-petaled and bright rose pink. ‘Spong’ was introduced in 1805.

Common Problems

Old garden roses are generally pest and disease-resistant, but some issues could potentially pop up. Good watering practices and air circulation, as well as proper nutrition, will help your plant to survive an infestation or infection. 

Diseases

The main diseases to affect these roses include powdery mildew and blackspot. Their disease resistance means that, while they can still end up with a fungal disease, it is rarely serious, and the plant should do a decent job of shedding affected leaves. The most common culprits of these diseases include poor air circulation, poorly draining soil, and too much shade. 

Plant your rose in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to prevent these diseases. If you encounter a fungal issue, prune away diseased areas, leaving at least two thirds of the plant alone. Treating it with a mild, broad-spectrum fungicide should get you back in business. These shrubs typically bounce back quickly. 

Pests

Insect infestations are not commonly a major issue for these plants. While they may fall prey to common garden insects like aphids, thrips, and spider mites, the worst these insects will do is disfigure young growth and flowers. Still, those flowers are important and only come around once a year, so you’ll want to get rid of them quickly.

I like planting yarrow and dill for ladybugs in my garden as a natural pest control. These voracious predators can eat a shocking number of aphids (their favorite food) quickly. In the absence of natural predators, neem oil effectively controls pest populations. Apply it late in the day so that it dries before pollinators come out in the morning.

Lack of Flowers

If your rose bush isn’t blooming, the most likely cause is a lack of sunlight. Even though many old garden roses are more shade tolerant than hybrids, they still need sun to produce blooms. Another cause of a lack of flowers could be the result of nutrient deficiency. Regular fertilization should help. 

Frequently Asked Questions