Create Your Garden

Rosa ‘De Rescht’ (Portland Damask Rose)

Rose 'De Rescht', Rosa 'Rescht', Rosa 'Rose de Rescht', Portland Roses, Damask Roses, Shrub Roses

AGM Award
Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses
Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses
Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses
Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses
Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses

Rosa ‘De Recht’ is a compact, highly fragrant heirloom rose admired for its deep magenta-pink blooms and historical appeal. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to be a Damask rose dating back to the early 19th century. Named after the Dutch town of De Recht, this repeat-blooming rose is treasured for its intense fragrance and versatile garden use.

Renowned for its ability to bloom throughout the season, Rosa ‘De Recht’ is an excellent choice for those seeking a manageable, hardy rose that combines beauty, fragrance, and history. It thrives in small gardens, mixed borders, and containers, making it a popular option for gardeners with limited space.

Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).


Description

Rosa ‘De Recht’ is a deciduous shrub rose known for its compact form and large, fully double flowers. The blooms are a rich magenta-pink that may take on purplish hues as they age, creating a dynamic color display. The rose exudes a strong, sweet fragrance, characteristic of Damask roses, and blooms prolifically from late spring to fall.


Native Habitat

Though its exact origins are unclear, this heirloom rose is believed to have been bred in the early 19th century and may be a descendant of ancient Damask roses. Its name connects it to the Netherlands, where it gained popularity for its compact size, repeat blooming, and powerful fragrance.


Plant Type and Habit

This rose is a deciduous shrub with a compact, bushy growth habit. Its upright stems bear clusters of vibrant blooms, making it ideal for small gardens or formal planting schemes. Its manageable size and tidy form allow it to blend seamlessly into a variety of landscapes.


Plant Size

Rosa ‘De Recht’ typically grows 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide. Its compact size makes it suitable for containers, borders, and small garden spaces, offering versatility and beauty in even the smallest areas.


Flowers

The flowers of this heirloom rose are its most celebrated feature:

  • Color: Bright purplish-crimson with subtle red and purple tones, creating a vibrant display.
  • Size: Medium blooms up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) in diameter, densely packed with up to 50 petals.
  • Shape: Fully double blooms with tightly formed rosettes.
  • Fragrance: Intense, strong Damask scent, considered one of the most fragrant of all roses.
  • Blooming Season: Repeat-flowering from late spring to autumn, with a primary flush in spring or early summer and scattered blooms later in the season.

Foliage

The foliage consists of dark green, ovate leaves that provide an attractive contrast to the vibrant blooms. The leaves are slightly glossy, enhancing the rose’s overall visual appeal.


Hardiness

This rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates, from cooler northern regions to warmer southern areas.


Uses

Rosa ‘De Recht’ is versatile and valued for a variety of uses:

  • Ornamental Gardening: Perfect for borders, containers, and formal garden designs.
  • Hedging and Screens: Works beautifully as a flowering hedge or screen, adding structure and color.
  • Cottage Gardens: Adds a classic, old-world charm to informal planting schemes.
  • Cut Flowers: Its highly fragrant blooms are ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.
  • Fragrance Gardens: Enhances any garden with its powerful, sweet scent.

Award

This heirloom rose has been honored with the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, reflecting its exceptional qualities and performance in gardens.


Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.


Toxicity

This heirloom rose is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens. Its petals are even edible and widely used in culinary and cosmetic applications.


Invasiveness

This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.

Rosa de Rescht, Rose de Rescht, Heirloom Roses, Pink Roses


Rose Bush Care: How to Grow Healthy, Beautiful Heirloom Roses

Light Requirement

This rose thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the best blooms, ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.


Soil

This heirloom rose prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) conditions. Tolerant of poor soil.


Water

Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.


Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the blooming period. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps maintain soil fertility.


Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant. After blooming, remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance.


Propagation

Propagate using several methods:

  • Hardwood Cuttings: Collect mature, dormant stems for propagation in late summer to autumn.
  • Chip Budding: Perform chip budding in summer to graft a bud onto a rootstock for successful reproduction.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:

Pest Resistance

This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.

Prevention and Care

Regular monitoring, proper pruning, and ensuring good air circulation can minimize risks. Applying organic pest control measures and treating fungal infections early with fungicides are essential to maintaining healthy roses.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa Orange Glow™ Knock Out® (Shrub Rose)
Rosa White Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Lemon Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Buttercream Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Blushing Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar)

Recommended Companion Plants

Nepeta racemosa (Catmint)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Delphinium
Digitalis (Foxglove)
Paeonia (Peonies)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Knock-Out Roses: Nonstop Color and Beauty from Spring to Frost
Drift Roses: The Perfect Rose for Small Spaces and Big Impact
Wild Rose Varieties: Nature’s Timeless Beauty
China Rose: The Flower That Revolutionized Gardens
Heirloom Roses: Timeless Beauties for Your Garden
Rose Hips: Benefits, Uses, and Fun Facts
Rose Oil: A Luxurious Elixir for Beauty and Wellness
The Power of Roses: Rose Water, Rose Syrup, Rose Oil, and Rose Hips
How to Make Rose Water Naturally: A Beginner’s Guide
Rose Water: Benefits, Uses, and How to Make It at Home
20 Orange Roses: A Burst of Sunshine for Your Garden
13 Beautiful Purple Roses to Add Elegance to Your Garden
Blue Roses: From Ancient Myths to Modern Science
White Rose Fun Facts: Everything You Didn’t Know
28 Beautiful White Roses to Illuminate Your Garden and Home
White Roses Meaning: From Romance to Remembrance
How to Choose the Best Yellow Rose for Your Garden
38 Beautiful Yellow Roses to Enrich Your Garden and Home
Yellow Roses Meaning: More Than Just a Pretty Flower
Pink Rose: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew
Pink Roses Meaning: From June Birth Flower to Garden Favorites
50 Pink Roses to Add Grace, Fragrance, and Romance to Your Garden
Black Roses: Symbolism, Varieties, and Growing Tips
Rose Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Roses
39 Stunning Red Roses to Enrich Your Garden
Symbolism of Red Roses: A History of Love and Passion
Top 70 Summer Flowers to Brighten Your Garden and Home
50 Best Fall Flowers for Your Autumn Garden
50 California Wildflowers: From Desert Blooms to Coastal Gems
50 Colorado Wildflowers to Know and Love
Top 50 Most Beautiful Flowers Worldwide
Edible Flowers for Cocktails: Top Picks for Beautiful and Flavorful Sips
Edible Flowers for Cakes: A Guide to Stunning Floral Decorations
54 Black Flowers and Plants: Add Drama to Your Garden
45 Yellow Flowers: Radiant Blooms for Every Season
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Rosa (Rose)
June Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
Underplanting Roses – Companion Plants for Roses
Edible Flowers: 30 Beautiful Blooms to Grow for Garden and Table
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 1)
Great Rose Companion Plants: Allium
Great Colorful Rose Companion Plants
Great Foliage Plants as Rose Companions
Best English Roses for Partial Shade
Great Rose Companion Plants: Geraniums
Great Rose Companion Plants: Nepeta, Salvia and Lavandula
Underplanting Roses with Low-Growing Spring Bulbs
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 3)
Combining Roses and Clematis
Combine Late-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 2)
Combine Early-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa canina (Briar Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)
Best English Roses for Pots and Containers
Most Fragrant English Roses
Best English Roses for Cutting from the Garden
Best David Austin Roses for the Southeast
Best David Austin Roses for Southern California
Best David Austin Roses for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in the Midwest
Best David Austin Roses for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in New England
Best English Roses for Mixed Borders
Main Rose Types for your Garden
All America Rose Selections Winners
Pretty Climbing Roses for your Garden
Climbing or Rambler Roses for my Garden?
Pretty Rambler Roses for your Garden
Best English Roses for Hedges
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your English Roses
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Rosa ‘De Rescht’ (Portland Damask Rose) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Rosa ‘De Rescht’ (Portland Damask Rose) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone