Mom smelling Henry Martin (moss rose) Rosa Centifolia
Moss Roses
(see below)

"Old Cabbage roses" Origin: Developed by the Dutch in the seventeenth century. A complex family of hybrids of R. canina, R. gallica, R. moschata & R. Phoenicea. 
Flower Form:Very double, many petaled usually slightly cupped or globular. All are very fragrant!
Growth Pattern: Most are tall 6' x 6' bushes with lax,arching canes.Centifolias look their best when supported by some structure. An obelisque is perfect. They are notorious for suckering so plant them in a large open space where they can spread or simply dig out the unwanted plants and spread the wealth among fellow gardeners. Smallar varieties like Petite de Hollande have a nice arching pattern and do not require support.
Zone: 5 & up
Flowering Cycle: Once Bloomer,four to six weeks depending on weather.
Fragrance: Very strong fragrance.
Color: range from pale pink to deep purple/red. 
 

Centifolias

Centifolias are a complex breed of roses that have a sub class called the "Moss Roses". All are hardy and exude a strong perfume. Bushes range form small to very large depending on the variety. They can be prone to blackspot in areas that have rainy summers. Most are once blooming with a few varieties that are remondant. 
  • Bullatathe lettuce leaf rose. Unique large olive green leaves that is crinkled.The deep pink blooms are very double and very fragrant.The bush is tall,arching with lax canes. Requires a support to look it's best. Grows 6' x 4'.
  • Fantin Latour, Large, very double pink/mauve flowers with a heavy fragrance. Foliage is grey/green canes have few thorns. Large arching shrub.
  • Tour de MalakoffLarge, very double 4" magenta to purple blooms. A wonderful rose! Great fragrance. Foliage is large, grey/green. Large, arching bush of 5' x5'. One of our favorite centifolias!
  • Gros Chos de Hollande" The Old Cabbage rose" grows 6' x6'. Large, loose medium pink blooms are very fragrant. Born in cluster of 6 or more. (Very old) 
  • Petite de Hollandeminiature version of Gros Chos de Hollande. Small 2 1/2" deep pink blooms on 4' x4'. A very nice centifolia for the garden as it doesn't need support. bush 


notice moss on sepals		 Moss Roses

These roses are a single group derived from two sources: those that
sported from the centifolias and those that sported from the damask
perpetuals. It is easy to tell the difference between the roses in these
two categories, because the former have heavy green moss on calyx
and stems, while the latter have rather sparse, brownish moss, and
bloom a second time in the fall.
Moss roses were very popular during Victorian times. The mossy
buds yield a Balm scent when touched, further enhancing the
pleasure of the intensely fragrant, fully double bloom with its tightly
packed petals. The mossy side buds, with their long, fringed sepals,
make a finished picture surrounding the open bloom.
  • Henry Martin
  • General Kleber
  • Old common Moss rose
  • Old Red Moss Rose
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