Many are extremely fragrant. They are quite cold hardy, but may not adapt well to hot areas. European roses include gallicas, damasks, albas, centifolias, and moss roses. Gallicas are stocky, upright shrubs with fine prickles and deep green foliage. Many are highly fragrant.
Flower colors are mainly deep pinks, crimsons and purples.
Striped and mottled varieties are common. This is a very old group. They are taller plants than the gallica roses, with grayish-green foliage. Their habit is usually graceful and arching, spreading under the weight of many flowers. Damasks have large blossoms with a strong, distinctive fragrance.