Moss Rose
Rosa Centifolia - Common Moss RoseMoss rose, 'Moss' roses and the 'Common Moss' rose variation in the pictures below, is actually a mutation of Rosa Centifolia dating back to the seventeenth century. These Old 'Moss' roses have a mossy growth on the rose stems and the sepals of the buds that appear almost lace like. When growing these roses it's hard not to be enchanted by its pink and heavenly perfumed flowers. If you wonder when to plant a 'Moss' rose or an old rose, my advice is to plant it in spring or early summer. 'Moss' roses are ONCE flowering roses, or summer flowering roses, that mostly flower on last years growth. So you most likely have to wait until next season to enjoy the fancyful buds open to reveal absolutely gorgeous full rosette formed flowers whose beauty is likely to take your breath away. The stunningly fragrant blooms make the most beautiful rose flower arrangement for the inside of your house.
You'll want to plant a 'Moss' near a path or flowerbed where its unusual lacy buds can be admired and the rose fragrance can be enjoyed. The picture above of this 'Rose Moss' shows the lovely rosette flower form with the lacy fern like growth on the stems. The flowering appear in early summer and lasts for several weeks. The flowers arrive in abundance on an upright
growing plant, that is a lovely addition to any garden.
The picture above of the 'Common Moss' rose bud with it's mossy fern like lacy growth is quite lovely and adorable. Totally unlike any other rose bud. The 'Moss' roses were a favorite in Empress Josephine's garden at Malmaison, her country estate in Reuil, now a suburb of Paris. The 'Common Moss' in the pictures here was discovered in the south of France at Carcasonne, as far back as
1696, and quickly joined other rose treasures in Empress Josephine's Rose Garden.
Pruning and Care of Moss Roses and Old RosesMost Old Roses, such as 'Moss' roses, that flower only once, need only a light annual pruning, AFTER flowering, in summer. They are most graceful if you let them grow naturally, with a little shaping as neccessary and thinning to take
out old wood.
To keep the rose bush healthy, remove any dead, damaged, or weak canes and any canes crossing each other. Then cut back the remaining canes lightly, pruning just the tips. If the center of the bush is crowded, shorten the side shoots to outward facing buds. Zones 4-9, height about 4 feet, 3 feet wide.
Lots More Antique and Old Roses
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