Rose 'Ispahan', Rose 'Pompon des Princes', Rose of Isfahan, Damask Roses, Shrub Roses
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is one of the oldest known Damask roses, cherished for its abundant, fragrant blooms and historical significance. Named after the ancient city of Isfahan in Iran, this rose epitomizes the elegance and beauty of old garden roses. Its prolific blooming, intoxicating fragrance and soft pink flowers have made it a favorite among gardeners and historians for centuries.
Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is a robust, healthy, deciduous shrub rose celebrated for its soft pink, fully double blooms. The flowers appear in clusters and emit an intense, sweet Damask fragrance that can fill the garden. This rose is a once-bloomer, providing a dramatic display of color and scent during its long flowering period in late spring and early summer.
Its lush foliage and elegant structure add to its appeal, making it a standout feature in any garden.
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where Damask roses have been cultivated for centuries. Named after the city of Isfahan, which was once a hub of culture and art in Persia, this heirloom rose reflects the rich history and romance of the region. Its lineage as a Damask rose ties it to a heritage of roses valued for their fragrance, beauty, and use in perfumery and medicine.
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is a deciduous shrub with a rounded, bushy habit. Its upright canes are adorned with clusters of flowers, creating a natural, graceful form that complements cottage gardens and informal landscapes.
Its manageable size makes it suitable for small to medium gardens, as well as larger landscapes where its beauty can shine.
The flowers of Rosa ‘Ispahan’ are its most celebrated feature:
The profusion of blooms creates a spectacular display, making Rosa ‘Ispahan’ a focal point in any garden.
The foliage consists of medium-green, pinnate leaves with a slightly matte finish. The leaves provide a lush, verdant backdrop to the soft pink blooms, enhancing the plant’s overall aesthetic. The combination of the delicate flowers and rich green foliage creates a harmonious visual effect.
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ thrives in USDA Zones 4–9, making it adaptable to a wide range of temperate climates. It is known for its robustness and ability to withstand cold winters, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in cooler regions.
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is versatile and valued for various purposes:
This old garden rose has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, recognizing its exceptional qualities, resilience, and historical value.
Deer and rabbits can cause damage.
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.
This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.
This rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers in low-light conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Propagate using several methods:
Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:
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.
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.
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.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 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 |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 60" (60cm - 150cm) |
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 |
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 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 |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 60" (60cm - 150cm) |
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 Rosa ‘Ispahan’ (Damask Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa ‘Ispahan’ (Damask Rose) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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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.
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