Rose 'William Lobb', Rose 'Duchesse d'Istrie', Old Velvet Moss Rose, Moss Roses, Shrub Roses, Climbing Roses
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).
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.
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.
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.
This rose is known for its impressive size and vigor:
Its sprawling nature makes it a commanding presence in larger gardens, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
The blooms of this heirloom rose are its most striking feature:
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.
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.
This heirloom rose is versatile and well-suited for various gardening purposes:
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
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 but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal blooming, ensure at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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 | 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 |
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 Rosa ‘William Lobb’ (Moss Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa ‘William Lobb’ (Moss 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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!