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Rosa ‘Ispahan’ (Damask Rose)

Rose 'Ispahan', Rose 'Pompon des Princes', Rose of Isfahan, Damask Roses, Shrub Roses

AGM Award
Rosa Ispahan, Rose Ispahan, Rose Pompon des Princes, Pink Rose, Heirloom Rose
Rosa Ispahan, Rose Ispahan, Rose Pompon des Princes, Pink Rose, Heirloom Rose
Rosa Ispahan, Rose Ispahan, Rose Pompon des Princes, Pink Rose, Heirloom Rose
Rosa Ispahan, Rose Ispahan, Rose Pompon des Princes, Pink Rose, Heirloom Rose

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).


Description

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.


Native Habitat

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.


Plant Type and Habit

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.


Plant Size

  • Height: 4–8 feet (120–240 cm)
  • Width: 2–5 feet (60–150 cm)

Its manageable size makes it suitable for small to medium gardens, as well as larger landscapes where its beauty can shine.


Flowers

The flowers of Rosa ‘Ispahan’ are its most celebrated feature:

  • Color: Pale to mid-pink, with a slightly deeper hue at the center, fading gracefully as the blooms mature.
    Size: Large flowers measuring up to 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, produced in abundant clusters.
    Shape: Double blooms with a full, traditional form featuring 17–25 petals.
    Fragrance: Exceptionally strong, exuding the intense and sweet scent characteristic of Damask roses.
    Blooming Season: Once-blooming in late spring to early summer, offering a generous display of flowers over an extended period.

The profusion of blooms creates a spectacular display, making Rosa ‘Ispahan’ a focal point in any garden.


Foliage

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.


Hardiness

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.


Uses

Rosa ‘Ispahan’ is versatile and valued for various purposes:

  • Cottage and Informal Gardens: Adds a romantic, old-world charm to traditional landscapes.
  • Formal Borders and Beds: Ideal for structured garden designs, creating a stunning visual impact.
  • Hedging and Screens: Works beautifully as a flowering hedge or screen, providing structure and fragrance.
  • Historical Gardens: Perfect for recreating period landscapes or cultivating heirloom varieties.
  • Fragrance Gardens: Fills outdoor spaces with its classic, sweet scent.
  • Cut Flowers: The large, fragrant blooms are excellent for floral arrangements, bringing their charm indoors.

Award

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 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 Ispahan, Rose Ispahan, Rose Pompon des Princes, Pink Rose, Heirloom Rose


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

Light Requirement

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.


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
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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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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.
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Requirements

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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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