Rose of the Month ~ May 2002

Kazanlik (aka Rosa damascena trigintipetala)

(submitted by Kim Loomis) This is a classic Damask old garden rose dating back to 1689 with an ARS rating of 7.6. Fragrance is the key - it is still used for making attar of roses in Bulgaria. Like many of the old garden roses, it only blooms once, but once translates into 6 weeks literally covered with fragrant blooms. The bloom comes on old wood, and here in the Twin Cities area, the rose has been very reliably hardy so there is usually plenty of old wood.

The canes are about 5 feet long and thin, doing best with some support. I grow my three bushes along a low fence so they can drape over it. The cloud of fragrant pink always attract attention from passersby. The blooms are fully double pleasing pink, often having a button eye, although apparently the number of petals is somewhat climate dependent. One word of caution - its thorns are well described as "wicked" and I have noticed some mildew late in the season. Other than that, it is a fairly carefree rose. Mix with repeating Canadian or Buck varieties and you can have it all - size, fragrance and repeat.

(click on the image to see larger version)

January 2002 Rose - Climbing Westerland
February 2002 Rose - William Baffin
March 2002 Rose - Cupcake
April 2002 Rose - Country Dancer