Damasks are once-blooming with extremely fragrant blossoms, for which they are most often noted. They have healthy foliage, and are generally quite winter hardy. In Zone 4 canes may have minimal dieback during the winter or may dieback to the snowline, depending on the severity of the winter. However, even with -40 degree winters in our gardens, the Damask roses that we offer below always grow back and bloom well for us. This is a very old rose, originating in Italy.
Blossoms appear in profusion in early summer and then repeat sporadically throughout the summer.
During the winter, the canes die back to about the snowline in Zone 4. The blossoms on this rose inspired its name. They are white to light pink with a touch of red on the tip of the petals. The form is semi-double and the fragrance is very strong. It has stiff, prickly canes that are similar to the Eglanteria roses.