Damask Rose Rosa 'De Resht' (DPo)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'De Resht', commonly known as the Damask rose, boasts a distinctive and alluring appearance. The plant produces a profusion of sumptuous flowers which are admired for their densely petaled form and rich, velvety texture. The blooms exhibit a deep, fuchsia to magenta hue, imbuing the plant with a sense of vintage charm and romance. Each flower radiates an intense, old-world fragrance, noted for its complexity and delightful sweetness, making it a favorite among those who appreciate scented gardens. The lush, green foliage of the Damask rose presents a striking contrast to its vivid blossoms. The leaves are typically glossy and have a leathery texture which complements the luxurious aspect of the flowers. Despite the absence of discussion regarding its overall size, the plant's visual impact is unquestionably due to the lushness of its foliage and the abundance of its blooms which create a stunning display in any garden landscape where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Persian Rose, Damask Rose, De Resht Rose, Portland Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'De Resht'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as the Damask rose. The Damask rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant, including its petals, is not typically associated with poisoning. People often consume rose petals in various culinary applications without adverse effects. However, eating large quantities of any plant material may cause digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Damask rose is not toxic to pets. It is generally safe for animals, and poisoning is not expected if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, thorns on rose plants can potentially cause physical injury if chewed or swallowed, such as punctures, scratches, or abrasions to the mouth and digestive tract. As with humans, consuming large amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Magenta
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Iran
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Rosa 'De Resht', also known as the Damascus Rose, has a highly ornamental look due to its abundant, densely petalled, deep pink flowers.
- Fragrance: The Damascus Rose is renowned for its intense and captivating fragrance, which adds a sensory delight to any garden.
- Continuous blooming: This variety can rebloom throughout the growing season, providing a prolonged period of visual interest.
- Compact growth: Its bushy and comparatively short stature makes it well-suited for small gardens and borders.
- Attracts pollinators: Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecology.
- Historical significance: The Damascus Rose has a rich history and has been cultivated for centuries, offering a storied addition to any garden.
- Hardiness: It is relatively resilient to many common rose diseases, making it a robust choice for the right climate zones.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Rose petals and rose oil from Rosa 'De Resht' have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant: Compounds found in roses, like polyphenols, offer antioxidant properties.
- Antiseptic: Rose water made from Rosa 'De Resht' can have antiseptic properties beneficial for skin care.
- Antispasmodic: The essential oils from roses may provide relief from muscle spasms.
- Astringent: Rosa 'De Resht' extract is used in toners and astringents for its skin-tightening effects.
- Anxiolytic: Rose scent is believed to have anxiety-reducing properties, contributing to emotional well-being.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of Rosa 'De Resht' can be used to infuse vinegar, creating a floral flavored condiment suitable for salad dressings and marinades.
- Rose hip formed by Rosa 'De Resht' can be dried and used to add a pop of color in potpourri, lending a pleasant fragrance to the mix.
- The essential oils extracted from Rosa 'De Resht' can be incorporated into homemade candles for a natural rose scent.
- When crafting homemade soaps, the petals can be used to provide a natural rose scent and a touch of color.
- Rosa 'De Resht' petals can be pressed and included in personalized stationery or greeting cards for a decorative and fragrant touch.
- These roses can be used as natural dyes for fabrics, yielding shades of pink and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Rosa 'De Resht' leaves can be steeped in water to create a natural rinse for pets, leaving their fur smelling fresh with a subtle floral scent.
- The petals can be used to make rose-flavored ice cubes, adding elegance and flavor to beverages.
- Rosa 'De Resht' can be used as a natural source to create rose water, which can then be used for culinary purposes like flavoring desserts.
- The stems and thorns of Rosa 'De Resht' can be collected and used as kindling for starting small fires, particularly in outdoor settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Damascus Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Damascus Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa 'De Resht', commonly known as the Damask Rose, symbolizes love and romantic affection, due to the rose's long-standing association with the heart and its emotions.
- Beauty: The Damask Rose's lush and vibrant petals represent beauty and perfection, echoing the rose's historical use in literature and art as an icon of aesthetic appeal.
- Devotion: The enduring nature of this variety of rose suggests a depth of commitment and fidelity in relationships, often given as a gift to indicate unwavering loyalty.
- Passion: With its deep, richly colored blooms, the Damask Rose is often linked to intense passion and desire, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions such as anniversaries and Valentine's Day.
- Mystery: The complex fragrance and unique characteristics of the Damask Rose can signify mystery and intrigue, alluding to the subtle and sometimes hidden layers of love and emotion.
WaterFor the Damascus Rose, it's essential to establish a steady watering routine, especially during its first growing season to ensure a strong root system. Water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the soil and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. Ensure the soil around the rose is moist but not waterlogged. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture.
LightThe Damascus Rose thrives best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this rose would be in an area where it receives morning sun and some partial afternoon shade, especially in regions with intense afternoon heat. Avoid placing it in full shade as this will reduce flowering and make the plant vulnerable to pests and diseases.
TemperatureThe Damascus Rose is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, flourishing in areas where the temperature typically ranges between 55°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum summer temperatures up to approximately 100°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can damage the plant.
PruningPruning the Damascus Rose is important for maintaining its shape, encouraging new growth, and improving air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring when buds begin to swell, removing dead or diseased wood and any weak or crossing branches. Prune back about one-third of the plant to encourage strong, healthy stems. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rosa 'De Resht', commonly known as Persian Rose, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as compost and rotted manure. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant. The soil mix should also retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingPersian Roses, like Rosa 'De Resht', being shrubs, are not typically repotted as they are planted outdoors. Instead, they may require occasional rejuvenation through renewal pruning every few years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingPersian Roses like Rosa 'De Resht' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions. They are well-suited to the natural outdoor humidity in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, regular water, and good airflow for indoor Persian Roses.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, water deeply, and provide space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rosa 'De Resht', commonly known as the Damask Rose, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, given the right conditions of soil, warmth, and moisture. The seedling grows into a young plant with roots, shoots, and leaves during the establishment phase. As the plant matures, it develops canes and foliage and enters the vegetative growth stage. After a period of vegetative growth, usually in spring to early summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, during which it produces its characteristic fragrant, full-petaled pink flowers. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into rose hips (fruit), containing seeds that can disperse to propagate new plants. Each year, the Damask Rose enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to revive and repeat the cycle with new growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Damascus Rose, scientifically known as Rosa 'De Resht', is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer after the bloom cycle, when the wood is neither too soft nor too hard. The process involves selecting healthy, disease-free stems and cutting them into lengths of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring each cutting has several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, the cuttings are planted in a well-draining soil mix, allowing for adequate air circulation and maintaining high humidity. It is crucial to keep the cuttings out of direct sunlight but in a bright, indirect light location until roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once established, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
