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Rosa ‘William Lobb’ (Moss Rose)

Rose 'William Lobb', Rose 'Duchesse d'Istrie', Old Velvet Moss Rose, Moss Roses, Shrub Roses, Climbing Roses

AGM Award
Rosa William Lobb, William Lobb Rose, Purple Rose, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose
Rosa William Lobb, William Lobb Rose, Purple Rose, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose

Rosa ‘William Lobb’, also known as ‘Old Velvet Moss,’ is a spectacular moss rose cherished for its velvety purple-crimson blooms and historical significance. Introduced in 1855 by the renowned French breeder Jean Laffay, this rose has captured the hearts of gardeners and historians alike. Named after the famous plant collector William Lobb, this heirloom rose epitomizes the charm and allure of old garden roses.

Recognized for its intensely fragrant blooms, moss-like buds, and unique coloration, Rosa ‘William Lobb’ is a must-have for those seeking a rose that combines beauty, history, and an enchanting presence in the garden. Its vigorous growth and cascading habit make it an ideal choice for informal gardens, wall side borders, and focal planting.

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


Description

Rosa ‘William Lobb’ is a vigorous, deciduous shrub rose notable for its moss-covered buds and large, velvety blooms. The flowers transition from deep purple-crimson to softer mauve shades as they age, creating a dynamic display. With a strong, sweet fragrance and elegant, semi-double to double blooms, this rose is truly a garden treasure.

Blooming once in late spring or early summer, this rose delivers an intense burst of color and scent. Its mossy stems and buds, a hallmark of moss roses, add textural interest and tactile charm.


Native Habitat

This rose traces its roots back to mid-19th-century France, bred by Jean Laffay as part of the moss rose lineage. Moss roses are hybrids of Centifolia roses and are prized for their resinous, aromatic “moss” that adorns the sepals.

Named after William Lobb, an English plant collector, the rose gained popularity in Victorian gardens and has since become a symbol of romantic nostalgia and horticultural heritage.


Plant Type and Habit

Rosa ‘William Lobb’ is a vigorous deciduous shrub with an arching, somewhat sprawling growth habit. Its long canes and abundant foliage make it ideal for creating informal hedges, cascading displays, or sprawling over garden structures like fences and walls.


Plant Size

This rose is known for its impressive size and vigor:

  • Height: 6–8 feet (180–240 cm)
  • Width: 4–6 feet (120–180 cm)

Its sprawling nature makes it a commanding presence in larger gardens, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.


Flowers

The blooms of this heirloom rose are its most striking feature:

  • Color: Deep magenta-purple with rich mauve undertones, maturing to a grayish-purple as the blooms age.
  • Size: Large blooms measuring 3.5–3.75 inches (9 cm) in diameter, densely packed with up to 50 petals.
  • Shape: Very full, old-fashioned, quartered blooms with a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Fragrance: Intensely strong and sweet, exuding the classic charm of heirloom roses.
  • Blooming Season: Once-blooming in late spring or early summer, with an abundant and dramatic flush of flowers.
  • Buds: Heavily mossed buds covered in a resinous, aromatic “moss,” adding both tactile and visual appeal.

Foliage

The foliage features medium-green, slightly matte leaves with a coarse texture. Borne on long, arching, mossy stems, the pinnate leaves create a lush backdrop that accentuates the vibrant blooms, amplifying the plant’s overall visual appeal.


Hardiness

This old garden rose thrives in USDA Zones 4–9, making it adaptable to a range of temperate climates. Its robust nature allows it to withstand cold winters and thrive in less-than-ideal conditions.


Uses

This heirloom rose is versatile and well-suited for various gardening purposes:

  • Cottage and Informal Gardens: Perfect for adding a classic, romantic touch to cottage-style landscapes.
  • Climber and Wall Shrubs: Can be trained as a climber, making it an excellent choice for walls, trellises, or arches.
  • Cut Flowers: Ideal for floral arrangements, bringing its historical charm and sweet fragrance indoors.
  • Flower Borders and Beds: Enhances mixed borders with its lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
  • Wall-Side Borders: Complements vertical spaces, adding elegance and structure to garden designs.

Award

Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.


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 William Lobb, William Lobb Rose, Purple Rose, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose


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 6–8 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
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 Climbers, Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
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 Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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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 Climbers, Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72" (120cm - 180cm)
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 Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Climbing Roses) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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