Creating an Heirloom Rose Garden

By J. A. Young

A rose is a rose is a rose - but not quite. At least, there are some roses that are like no others. Antique, or heirloom, roses demonstrate the beauty inherent in great age and the unique ability of some plants to remain true to their nature. Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Centifolias and Mosses are the five families that comprise the heirloom class of roses. These heirloom roses can transform the garden into an old-world "rosarium," a rose garden like no other.

You pluck a deep red rose, mindful of its thorns, and hold it your nose to breathe in the intoxicating fragrance and wonder - was this the same flower Eve wore in her hair or Cleopatra twirled in her fingers? Probably not. Although antique roses must be at least one hundred years old to be considered such, most of today's roses are hybrids, upgrades, and new models. Although related to the roses of the ancient world, they are a still a breed apart. However, some - those listed above - have clung to their roots to enjoy a lovely old age.

While new roses are prized for their buds, heirloom roses are beloved for their gorgeous full blooms. But to understand the difference between them, one has to travel as far back as the Ancient Assyrian library at Nineveh (in Mesopotamia) where clay tablets once referenced rose oils. In the ancient world, wild roses were prized for perfume and were thought by ancient Romans to keep disease at bay. Ancient Rhodes, an island in the Aegean Sea, was a famous producer of roses. And the rose only grew in popularity until it was kept in gardens and traveled to gardens around the world, where it changed, evolved, mixed and grew into a vast array of types - under gardeners' watchful eyes, of course, who strove to foster this change. And even today, roses keep changing as new varieties and hybrids are introduced around the world.

To put it simply, heirloom roses are like pauses in time. These varieties have not changed since their conception, and with care and consideration, they may continue to bring their old-world charm to new gardens every year.

Varieties of Heirloom Roses

Gallicas. The Gallicas are considered the oldest of the antique roses, going all the way back to Greek and Roman days. So you see, it is perhaps possible that Cleopatra picked such a blossom during her stay in Rome. This rose is famous for its intensely deep coloring and strong fragrance. Within the Gallicas are particular types like the once popular "Empress Josephine" or the largest of the Gallicas, "Charles de Mills".

Damask. Botanical historians believe the first Damask roses resulted from and cross between a Gallica rose and a wild species native to Persia - where Damasks originate. Damasks roses are taller and more thorny than Gallicas, and their colors are paler, from white to pale pink. Their fragrance is powerful no matter what color, and family favorites include "Madame Hardy" and "La Ville de Bruxelles."

Alba. Alba roses appear to have been entirely the work of Mother Nature. Although gardeners did not first cultivate them, these roses are beloved by them today for their lovely white and off-whites, not to mention their unique growth pattern that is tree-like in nature. The pretty fragrance is sharp, and while their blooms are not over-sized, they are breathtaking when viewed collectively.

Centifolia. The Dutch have the distinction of developing the Centifolia roses during the seventeenth century. These blooms were prized by floral artists of the era. Most roses in this family sport a shade of pink. Some exceptional examples include "Tour De Malakoff," "Fantin-Latour" and "Paul Ricault."

Moss. Although Moss roses were made popular by the Victorians, they are dated to 1696 in Carcassonne, France. As their name suggests, these roses contain a mossy-like appearance on their stems, sepals and leaflets. "Old Pink Moss" is considered the progenitor of all subsequent Moss roses. Other famous examples include "Salet" and "Nuit de Young."

These classic roses are suitable for growing in any rose garden, whether your home is cottage style or a formal manor. Perhaps the single most important feature of all these roses is that their beauty compels us to share; gardeners who work with heirloom roses delight in showing off their blooms to family and friends. There are many ways to share the beauty of these roses and showcase them in your garden to great effect.

Designing Your Rose Garden

Because there are many different types, your rose garden can bloom from the ground up - arches and gazebos may flourish with antique climbers that bloom and scent the air with their fragrance. Trellises of country wood or Victorian wrought iron are perfect for some heirloom roses. A section of the front yard might be set aside to showcase these antique plants. They are ideal for classic gardens containing classical features. Choose those roses that appeal to you in color and fragrance or to suit a specific location in your garden.

Of course, gardening with antique plants does not mean your garden must be ornamented with antiques too - but it does add a decorative touch. As these roses were popular during the Victorian era when gardening became just as popular with the middle class as with the elite, it makes perfect sense to ornament your garden with other Victorian relics. Shop online or at local garden centers for reproductions, or go for the real thing at antique shops. From gazing balls to authentic marble basins, there is a wide range of ornaments to compliment your heirloom roses and transform your garden into an antique rosarium.

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