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Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ (Damask Rose)

Rose 'Queen of Denmark', Rose 'Königin von Dänemark', Damask Roses, Shrub Roses

AGM Award
Rosa Queen of Denmark, Rose Queen of Denmark, Pink Rose, Heirloom Roses
Rosa Queen of Denmark, Rose Queen of Denmark, Pink Rose, Heirloom Roses

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ is a classic Damask rose introduced in 1826 by Miellez. This exquisite heirloom rose is renowned for its soft pink blooms, enchanting fragrance, and historical significance. Often admired for its old-world charm and robust nature, it has become a favorite among rose enthusiasts and gardeners seeking a blend of elegance and history.

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


Description

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ is a deciduous shrub rose celebrated for its perfectly formed, fully double blooms. The flowers are a delicate blend of soft pink tones, with a slightly deeper hue at the center that fades gracefully as the blooms mature. Their rosette-like structure and densely packed petals add a sense of sophistication to any garden.

This once-blooming rose makes a dramatic impact in early summer with an intense flush of blossoms. Known for its strong, sweet fragrance, it embodies the classic scent of Damask roses, evoking the romance of traditional rose gardens.


Native Habitat

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ was bred in France by Miellez, a celebrated rose breeder of the early 19th century. As a Damask rose, it belongs to a lineage cherished for centuries for its exceptional fragrance, medicinal uses, and beauty. Damask roses are believed to have originated in the Middle East and were brought to Europe during the Crusades. Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ carries this rich legacy, representing the pinnacle of historical rose breeding.


Plant Type and Habit

This rose is a deciduous shrub with an upright, bushy growth habit. Its robust, arching thorny canes and dense foliage create a well-structured plant that can serve as a focal point in formal or informal garden designs. The plant’s graceful form is complemented by its profuse blooming, offering a lush display of flowers during its flowering season.


Plant Size

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ typically grows to:

  • Height: 3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
  • Width: 3-5 feet (90–150 cm)

Its moderate size makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, including cottage gardens, mixed borders, or as a standalone specimen.


Flowers

The blooms of Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ are its most treasured feature:

  • Color: Bright pink blooms with slightly paler edges, creating a delicate contrast as they mature.
  • Size: Medium-sized blooms measuring up to 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter.
  • Shape: Fully double blooms with tightly packed petals, forming a rosette-like, symmetrical structure.
  • Fragrance: Richly fragrant, exuding the classic, sweet scent characteristic of Damask roses.
  • Blooming Season: Once-blooming in early to mid-summer, with a spectacular flush of flowers that provides a dramatic and memorable display.

The blooms are borne singly or in small clusters, with each flower lasting several days, ensuring a prolonged visual and olfactory delight.


Foliage

The foliage consists of blue-green, ovate leaves with a coarse texture. Arranged in a pinnate pattern, the leaves provide a lush and elegant backdrop to the vibrant blooms, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant.


Hardiness

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ thrives in USDA Zones 4–8, making it well-suited to a variety of temperate climates. It tolerates cold winters and performs reliably in diverse growing conditions, demonstrating the resilience characteristic of Damask roses.


Uses

This heirloom rose is cherished for its versatility and beauty, making it a valuable addition to any garden:

  • Cottage and Informal Gardens: Adds a romantic, old-world charm to informal planting schemes.
  • Formal Borders and Beds: Ideal for creating structured, elegant garden designs.
  • Hedging and Screens: Works beautifully as a flowering hedge or screen, offering privacy and visual interest.
  • Fragrance Gardens: Enhances outdoor spaces with its strong, sweet scent.
  • Historical Gardens: A must-have for recreating period landscapes or cultivating heirloom varieties.
  • Cut Flowers: Perfect for floral arrangements, bringing its classic beauty and fragrance indoors.

Award

Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, recognizing its exceptional qualities, resilience, and historical importance.


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 Queen of Denmark, Rose Queen of Denmark, Pink Rose, Heirloom 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 optimal blooming, 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 in early summer. 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 by hardwood cuttings: Collect mature, dormant stems for propagation in late summer to autumn.


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 - 8
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 - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 36" - 60" (90cm - 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 City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa ‘Cramoisi Superieur’ (China Rose)
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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 - 8
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 - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 36" - 60" (90cm - 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 City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
Not sure which Rosa (Shrub Roses) to pick?
Compare Now

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