Old Garden Roses
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Discover the beauty and charm of old garden roses. From creamy whites to deep purples, these roses have unique characteristics and a rich history.
TL;DR
Old garden roses are charming and have different characteristics. The average height is around 4 ft.
- Blanche Moreau: Creamy white, double flowers, upright grower, likely to mildew. Above average height.
- Some of the old roses are charming, and others are mildewy old wrecks. This list of the choicest rejects sentiment in favour of performance.
Some of the old roses are charming, and others are mildewy old wrecks. This list of the choicest rejects sentiment in favor of performance. The average height is around 4 ft. and the traditional class follows each description.
Moss Roses
Blanche Moreau
Creamy white. Calyx has brown mossy covering; flowers are double, confused, and appear in summer only. Upright grower, likely to mildew; flower stems arise from last year’s wood, so do not prune it all off. Above average height.
Raised by Moreau-Robert (France), 1880 – Moss Rose.
Capitaine John Ingram
Dark crimson. Only slightly mossed calyx. Flowers small, very double, with button eye which is paler. Blooms summer only, from previous year’s wood. Some mildew likely. Average height.
Raised by Laffay (France), 1855 – Moss Rose.
Common Moss
Pink. Calyx bears green mossy covering. Smallish double pink flowers, fragrant, in summer only, from previous year’s wood. Upright habit, liable to mildew. Average height.
Origin unknown, possibly Holland, early 1700s – Moss Rose.
Crested Moss (Chapeau de Napoléon)
Pink. Calyx has a wavy frill, hence its popular name. Small double flowers, summer only, from previous year’s wood. Average height.
Found in a convent in Fribourg; introduced in France, 1827 – Centifolia Moss.
Laneii
Purple. Large flowers, flat, with many petals and a remarkable rich colour. Flowers summer only, from wood of previous years. Although called a moss rose, there is next to no moss to be seen. Average height.
Raised by Laffay (France), 1846 – Moss Rose.
Nuits de Young
Dark purplish red. Small, flat flowers, double, but showing golden stamens. Not much mossy growth. Flowers in summer only, from wood of previous years. Average height.
Raised by Laffay (France), 1845 – Moss Rose.
Gallica Roses
Camaieux
Purple pink with white marks, fading to grey and white. Double flowers in summer only, arising from previous year’s wood. Fragrant. Some mildew. Below average height.
Raised by Vibert (France), 1830 – Gallica.
Cardinal de Richelieu
Purple. Double, small flowers with nicely varied color. Blooms in summer only, from previous year’s wood. Average height.
Raised by Laffay (France), 1840 – Gallica.
Charles de Mills
Crimson purple. Buds look as if their tops were cut off, but open to full, fragrant blooms in red, purple, and maroon shades. Flowers in summer only, from previous year’s wood. Mildew likely. Average height or more.
Origin unknown, probably France, 1820–1840 – Gallica.
Gallica Versicolor (Rosa Mundi)
Red striped blush white. Semi-double flowers open wide and flat, clearly showing stripes. May revert to its all-red form. Flowers summer only, on wood of previous years. Usually gets mildew after flowering. Compact growth. Below average height.
Origin unknown – Gallica.
President de Sèze
Purple-red with tinted white areas mostly at the petal tips. Double, quartered flowers in summer only, from wood of previous years. Apt to get mildew. Average height.
Origin unknown; grown in France, 1836 – Gallica.
Tuscany Superb
Dark crimson purple. Double flowers, opening flat with deep, striking color. Upright growth, rather narrow plant, with large leaves. Flowers in summer only, from previous year’s wood. Average height.
Origin unknown, before 1848 – Gallica.
China Roses
Cécile Brünner
Light pink. Clusters of miniature rose buds; young flowers tiny enough to fit in a thimble. Flowers summer to autumn, either from old or current season’s wood. About half average height.
Raised by Ducher (France), 1880 – China.
Cécile Brünner, Climbing
Light pink. Vigorous climbing form of the previous rose, good for covering 20 ft. or more. Some repeat bloom, abundant foliage.
Raised by Hosp (USA), 1894 – China.
Old Blush
Cheerful pink. Small, bright pink, semi-double flowers on an open bush. Flowers from new and old wood, summer to late autumn intermittently. Small bright leaves. Below average height.
Origin uncertain; recorded in Europe in the 18th century – China.
Pompon de Paris, Climbing
Pink. Effectively a climbing miniature rose, with small bright flowers and tiny leaves. Flowers in summer, with a few later blooms. Grows 4 to 6 ft., ideal for a terrace wall.
Origin unknown – China.
Alba Roses
Celestial
Soft pale rose. Fairly large flowers of delicate form, set against grey-green leaves. Fragrant. Blooms in summer only, from previous year’s wood. Average height or more.
Origin unknown, probably France, 1780–1836 – Alba.
Maiden’s Blush
Light blush. Handsome shrub with grey-green leaves and fragrant flowers. Blooms in summer only, from wood of previous years. Above average height. Both great and small forms differ mainly in growth.
Origin unknown; small form attributed to Kew Gardens (England), 1797 – Alba.
Some of the old roses are charming, and others are mildewy old wrecks.
More Information on Old Garden Roses
Old garden roses have a certain charm and uniqueness that sets them apart from modern hybrids. These roses, with an average height of around 4 ft, come in a variety of colors and forms, each with its own character and appeal. One such rose is Blanche Moreau, known for its creamy white flowers. While its double flowers may appear confused, they bloom only in the summer and have an upright growth habit. However, Blanche Moreau is prone to mildew and should not be pruned entirely, as its flower stems arise from the previous year's wood. In addition to Blanche Moreau, there are many other fascinating old garden roses to explore. These roses have a rich history and are often associated with specific regions or breeders. For example, the Gallica roses, such as Gallica Versicolor, feature red striped blush white flowers that open wide and flat, displaying their stripes clearly. These roses bloom in the summer on wood from previous years, but they are susceptible to mildew after flowering. It's worth noting that old garden roses have left a lasting impact on the world of roses. They have inspired modern breeders and continue to be treasured for their beauty and historical significance. Exploring the world of old garden roses can be a delightful journey into the past, where each rose tells a unique story.
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About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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