Damask Rose 'Persian Damask'
Invite timeless elegance and an intoxicating aroma into your garden with the legendary Damask Rose. A living treasure, the 'jouri' rose is your personal source of the world's most romantic fragrance. Perfect as a stunning gift or a centerpiece for your outdoor space, this isn't just a plant—it's an experience. Order now and cultivate beauty that has been cherished for centuries.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Damask Rose, Jouri Rose, Persian Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa damascena
Variety: Persian Damask
Arabic Name: جوري (Jouri)
Family: Rosaceae
Plant Country: Netherlands
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Species: Rosa x damascena
3. Origin & Distribution
The Damask Rose is a hybrid rose, derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in the regions of modern-day Iran and Syria. It was famously brought to Europe during the Crusades and is now extensively cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey, and France for the production of rose oil.
4. Visual Characteristics
The Damask Rose is known for its beautiful, double-petaled flowers that range in color from light pink to deep red. The blooms typically grow in clusters. Its foliage is composed of grayish-green, pinnate leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets. The stems are characterized by many curved thorns and stiff bristles.
5. Size & Dimensions
This deciduous shrub typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.2 meters (5 to 7 feet). It has a spreading habit, often reaching a width of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters.
6. Light Requirements
For optimal blooming and health, the Damask Rose requires full sun. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In extremely hot climates, some light afternoon shade can help protect the delicate petals from scorching.
7. Watering Needs
The plant requires regular and deep watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is important to water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which helps prevent fungal diseases. During the peak of summer, watering frequency may need to increase.
8. Soil & Potting
Damask Roses thrive in rich, well-draining loamy soil. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). If planting in pots, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and has excellent drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
This plant is quite hardy (Zones 5-9) and can tolerate cold winters once established. It prefers moderate humidity levels. Extreme heat without adequate water can stress the plant, while very high humidity can lead to mildew issues if air circulation is poor.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. Repeat applications can be done during the blooming season in early summer to encourage vigorous flowers. Avoid fertilizing in late autumn to prevent soft new growth before the winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
The care level is considered moderate. Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage more flowers. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring is necessary to maintain shape, remove old wood, and encourage fresh, healthy stems.
12. Growth & Propagation
The Damask Rose is a perennial shrub with a moderate growth rate. It is primarily propagated through hardwood cuttings or by budding onto hardy rootstocks. In its native habitat, it may also spread through suckering.
13. Common Problems
Like many roses, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Fungal issues such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust can occur if the leaves stay wet or if there is poor air circulation around the plant.
14. Benefits & Uses
The Damask Rose is the primary source of 'Attar of Roses' (rose oil) and rose water, used extensively in perfumery, cosmetics, and the food industry. Ornamentally, it is used for fragrant gardens, hedges, and as a cut flower. It is also culturally significant in many Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Rosa damascena is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. However, the stems are heavily armed with sharp thorns, which can cause physical injury. Handling with gardening gloves is highly recommended.
Damask Rose 'Persian Damask'
Invite timeless elegance and an intoxicating aroma into your garden with the legendary Damask Rose. A living treasure, the 'jouri' rose is your personal source of the world's most romantic fragrance. Perfect as a stunning gift or a centerpiece for your outdoor space, this isn't just a plant—it's an experience. Order now and cultivate beauty that has been cherished for centuries.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Damask Rose, Jouri Rose, Persian Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa damascena
Variety: Persian Damask
Arabic Name: جوري (Jouri)
Family: Rosaceae
Plant Country: Netherlands
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Species: Rosa x damascena
3. Origin & Distribution
The Damask Rose is a hybrid rose, derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in the regions of modern-day Iran and Syria. It was famously brought to Europe during the Crusades and is now extensively cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey, and France for the production of rose oil.
4. Visual Characteristics
The Damask Rose is known for its beautiful, double-petaled flowers that range in color from light pink to deep red. The blooms typically grow in clusters. Its foliage is composed of grayish-green, pinnate leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets. The stems are characterized by many curved thorns and stiff bristles.
5. Size & Dimensions
This deciduous shrub typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.2 meters (5 to 7 feet). It has a spreading habit, often reaching a width of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters.
6. Light Requirements
For optimal blooming and health, the Damask Rose requires full sun. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In extremely hot climates, some light afternoon shade can help protect the delicate petals from scorching.
7. Watering Needs
The plant requires regular and deep watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is important to water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which helps prevent fungal diseases. During the peak of summer, watering frequency may need to increase.
8. Soil & Potting
Damask Roses thrive in rich, well-draining loamy soil. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). If planting in pots, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and has excellent drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
This plant is quite hardy (Zones 5-9) and can tolerate cold winters once established. It prefers moderate humidity levels. Extreme heat without adequate water can stress the plant, while very high humidity can lead to mildew issues if air circulation is poor.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. Repeat applications can be done during the blooming season in early summer to encourage vigorous flowers. Avoid fertilizing in late autumn to prevent soft new growth before the winter dormancy.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
The care level is considered moderate. Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage more flowers. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring is necessary to maintain shape, remove old wood, and encourage fresh, healthy stems.
12. Growth & Propagation
The Damask Rose is a perennial shrub with a moderate growth rate. It is primarily propagated through hardwood cuttings or by budding onto hardy rootstocks. In its native habitat, it may also spread through suckering.
13. Common Problems
Like many roses, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Fungal issues such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust can occur if the leaves stay wet or if there is poor air circulation around the plant.
14. Benefits & Uses
The Damask Rose is the primary source of 'Attar of Roses' (rose oil) and rose water, used extensively in perfumery, cosmetics, and the food industry. Ornamentally, it is used for fragrant gardens, hedges, and as a cut flower. It is also culturally significant in many Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Rosa damascena is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. However, the stems are heavily armed with sharp thorns, which can cause physical injury. Handling with gardening gloves is highly recommended.

