Old Garden Roses — History, Charm & Growing Guide

Old Garden Roses generally refers to rose classes that existed before 1867, when the first Hybrid Tea "La France" was created. Compared to Modern Roses, Old Garden Roses feature more delicate flower forms and deeper fragrances. Though overshadowed for a time by the repeat-blooming Modern Roses, they have recently seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to their natural growth habits, rich fragrance, and disease resistance.

Major Old Garden Rose Classes

Gallica: The oldest class, cultivated since antiquity. Colors range from deep crimson to pink and purple, with densely layered petals. Once-blooming with exceptionally strong fragrance, traditionally used for potpourri. Compact bushes at 1-1.5 m with few thorns.

Damask: Named for Damascus, Syria. The foundation of rose perfumery -- "Damask fragrance" is the benchmark for all rose scent. Divided into Summer Damasks and repeat-blooming Autumn Damasks.

Alba: White to pale pink flowers. Exceptionally cold-hardy and disease-resistant. Grows in partial shade -- sometimes called "the easiest Old Garden Rose." Beautiful gray-green foliage.

Centifolia (Cabbage Rose): Named for flowers with 100+ layered petals. Heavy blooms nod elegantly on branch tips. Strongly fragrant; these are the roses depicted in Dutch still-life paintings.

Bourbon: Born from natural crossing between once-blooming Old Roses and repeat-blooming China Roses. Many varieties exhibit repeat blooming. Large, cupped, fragrant flowers. Climbing varieties suit arches and pergolas.

Planting and Pruning

Plant during dormancy (December-February) in holes at least 50 cm deep and wide, enriched with compost. Once-blooming classes (Gallica, Alba, Centifolia) need only light post-bloom pruning -- avoid heavy winter pruning, which removes flower buds. Repeat-blooming Bourbons tolerate moderate winter pruning. Climbing varieties are best trained horizontally or at an angle to encourage lateral flowering.

Disease and Pest Management

Old Garden Roses are generally more disease-resistant than Modern Roses, though not immune. Black spot may occur especially during rainy season; powdery mildew in spring and autumn. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and timely fungicide application are key preventive measures.

Enjoying Old Garden Roses

Old Garden Roses are perfectly suited to cottage gardens and English-style gardens. Combine with lavender, chamomile, and geraniums for a painterly beauty. Climbing Bourbons like the thornless "Zephirine Drouhin" create fragrant archway tunnels. Cut flowers, though shorter-lived than Modern Roses, bring ethereal beauty to simple arrangements.

On BriChoku, you can find rare Old Garden Rose varieties from specialized breeders who can guide you in selecting the right classes for your garden conditions and aesthetic preferences.