Intoxicating Fragranced Roses - Hansa

"Hansa", bred by Schaum and van Tol, Holland 1905. Hansa is one of the more typical R. rugosa hybrids, having characteristics very similar to the species. Often ignored and even maligned as being an unsophisticated rose, it is a very attractive shrub that deserves garden space.

Hansa blooms throughout the season, in the same manner as R. rugosa, often displaying ripening hips at the same times as new blooms are opening.

The flowers are a clear magenta hue, not a true red. The photo is true to color.

Hansa offers the distinct Rugosa fragrance, which can be described as Old Rose mixed with clove.

Bloom form is fully double, but of no particular arrangement of petals. We could call this a rosette form of 4'' - 10,2 cm.

Like most of the Rugosa class, particularly the ones that most closely resemble the species, this shrub is completely resistant to the typical rose diseases. For this trait alone this rose can be placed high on the list of larger desirable shrub roses!

It has a height of 5' to 7' - 150 to 215 cm and a width of 4' to 7' - 120 to 215 cm. Given the space to get to this size, it forms a wonderful treelike form with an umbrella shaped canopy. Rather than pruning this shrub to keep it small, people should be encouraged to place it where it can be allowed to take on these treelike characteristics. It suckers profusely and can be used as screen.

The beauty of these old plants of Hansa is really impressive. And the smell... mmmm!

The flowers are edible, as the hips are! You can make jam of them, although a good friend of mine eats them just like that, without cooking! :) He says they are sooo sweet!

Zone 3 to 9. 

Intoxicating Fragranced Roses - Rose de Rescht / Rose de Resht

"Rose de Rescht"

Exact origin unknown. From Rasht (Iran) to Europe via Lindsay, UK, 1940.

It is a wonderful Portland Damask rose that was rediscovered in Persia in 1945 by an English gardener by the name of Nancy Lindsay. It is one of the wonderful mysteries of the Old Garden Rose history.

Being of the Portland group, Rose de Rescht is capable of several flushes of repeat bloom throughout the season in distinct cycles.

It is quite disease resistant, and healthy.

It is a beautiful opening bud, that quickly grows to reflex into a pompon form.


The scent is exceptional in quality; pure sweet Damask with a hint of spices.

This is the rose that is often recommended to people who are contemplating buying their first Heritage Rose, as it is trouble free, well behaved, and very rewarding.

An outstanding rose that is quite easy to grow.

Royal Cultural Society Award of Garden Merit 1993.

Compact, dense bush. It suckers on its own roots. Healthy foliage.
Height of 3' to 4' - 90 to 120 cm. Width of up to 30'' - up to 75 cm.
Very full, over 41 petals bloom form, average diameter of 2.5'' - 6 cm.

One of my favourite roses, small but strong. I make a wonderful jam out of its petals :).