Dan's Papers - June 20, 2008 - "Antique" Roses Steeped in History, and Fragrance

What can be more wonderful than a garden visit and the smell of an intoxicating rose bush in bloom? Some of the loveliest types of roses may also be the oldest. While rose culture has come a long way over the past 30 years in terms of quality, bloom, and abundance, antique roses are still some of the most beautiful, even if they're more fleeting than modern roses.

The antique rose - also called "old" or "heirloom" roses - typically refers to roses that were in existence prior to 1860, well before the onslaught of the hybridizing that was introduced in France around this same time. Many modern roses lack the intense fragrance and resilience of old roses, which is probably why there's a renewed interest in them. Old roses also have graceful growth patterns. Breeder David Austin, and his new, old roses, has been the ambassadors of this renewed interest.

Because old roses grow from a heritage of wild roses, people are interested in them for their disease resistance, as well as their wonderful perfume. The various classes of antique roses have distinct traits associated with them, and most have not changed much since their beginning.

Antique roses demonstrate the beauty inherent in age and their unique ability to remain true to their innate nature. There are five families of antique roses: Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Centifolias and Mosses. One additional type deserves mention - the Bourbon rose - but it is somewhat different from the others.

Gallica roses are considered to be the oldest of the antique roses and probably date back to Greek and Roman times. This rose is known for its intense, deep color and strong fragrance. Its cousin, the Damask rose, is probably a result of a cross between the Gallica and a wild rose from Persia, where the Damask rose seems to have originated. Damask roses tend to be taller than the Gallicas, and have more thorns. Their colors are typically paler - usually white to pink (though there are some maroon varieties) - but their fragrance is quite powerful. These roses have a long history of being used to produce rose oil and rose water.

Alba roses appear to be a quirk of nature. These roses are very popular because of their lovely white and off-white colors. Their unique growth pattern makes them appear tree-like, so they are a good garden specimen plant. However, they're most beautiful when planted in collective groupings. They produce a sharp, clean, pretty fragrance.

Holland is known for developing the Centifolia rose (also called the "cabbage" rose). It evolved in the 17th century. Most of the Centifolia roses come in shades of pink and are prized for their classic rose look and touch, making them prized for flower arrangements. These roses are probably the most cold-hardy roses, and grow well on the East End.

The Moss rose was popular with the Victorians. The roses actually date from the 1690s in France. As the name suggests, these roses have a somewhat mossy appearance to their stems and leaflets. One variety, "Old Pink Moss," is considered to be the ancestor of all subsequent Moss roses.

The Bourbon rose is named for the Ile Bourbon in the Indian Ocean, where it's said they evolved from a cross between the Damask and China rose. Apparently, seeds were brought to Paris in about 1815 and grew in popularity into the 1830s. In the best varieties, the rose produces a vigorous plant with both beauty and flowers of high fragrance. These plants also have a tendency to rebloom. The colors are typically deep red through pink and white.

While many modern roses have the reputation of requiring significant garden attention, most old roses are reliable for beginners. They are also environmentally friendly, because of their natural resistance to diseases and pests. Most do well in average soil and thrive on organic soil enhancements.

Growing superb antique roses require five ingredients: sun, enhanced soil, good drainage, sufficient water and adequate air circulation. The roses should be planted in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of sun each day. A good garden soil that is enhanced with compost and manure and cultivated to a depth of about 18 inches works very well for them.

These roses require regular watering, but the real key to success is having soil that provides excellent drainage so the rose will have the water it needs, and the rest will drain away. They also need adequate space to breathe, so they shouldn't be grouped close together.

Most antique roses either don't need pesticides or have an aversion to them. Pesticides and fungicides should be used sparingly. Spring pruning to remove dead and diseased wood may be required. However, in the humid East End environment, some of these roses are subject to blackspot - particularly Bourbon roses.

Beautifully cultivated antique roses, and others, can be seen at the Southampton Rose Society's (SRS) rose garden, located at the Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton. This should be a must-see on everyone's summer visitation list. Nancy Marr, from the SRS, said the six varieties of antique roses are of high interest, including the single blooming Belle de Crecy R. gallica versicolor (aka rosa mundi)," and Madame Hardy. Each of these produces a tough bush covered with early summer blooms. These bushes are also leaf-covered and do not have "bare knees." Three repeat bloomers are also recommended by Marr including - Souvenir de la Malmaison, Comte de Chambord and Marchesa Boccella. All three provide very strong fragrance and do best when sprayed for blackspot on the East End. These bushes also benefit from being pruned to about three feet in height.

You may wonder, given the fact that these old roses bloom for a short period (though some may bloom a second time), why put in all the effort? There are several reasons. The antique roses are truly captivating and provide brilliant blooms and an intoxicating fragrance. They also take care of themselves, with little need for pesticides and fungicides. And, with a long legacy and history, they've enchanted people for generations.