Damask rose Rosa × damascena
Damask rose (Rosa × damascena) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Cultivated hybrid; long grown in Iran, Anatolia and Bulgaria. It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Damask rose in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Damask rose at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: petals (rose water, jam), hips |
| Native to | Cultivated hybrid; long grown in Iran, Anatolia and Bulgaria |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Damask rose toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: thorns
Not poisonous; thorns can injure.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Damask rose
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Damask rose
- How far apart should I plant Damask rose?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Damask rose need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Damask rose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Damask rose?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Damask rose flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Damask rose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; thorns can injure.
- What grows well with Damask rose?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Source of attar of roses (Kazanlak, Isparta, Kashan, Morocco’s Valley of Roses). Mostly a single early-summer flush.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata