The Rosa damascena, also known as Rosa de Damasco or Rosa de Castilla is a hybrid rose that has earned its place in gardens and patios. Its flowers have a very pleasant aroma, so much so that they are used in perfumes or to make rose water.
But not only that: its petals are edible, and it can also help you against stress. Do you find it interesting? Keep reading 🙂.
Characteristics of the Rosa damascena
Our protagonist, whose scientific name is pink x damascene, is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 1,5 meters. The stems are cylindrical, and are protected by curved spines. The leaves are leathery, pinnate, green. The magnificent flowers are double, with the petals arranged in a rosette about 10cm wide. These can be red or pink in color, and appear during spring and summer.
It is a very important hybrid in the world of roses, as it is one of the oldest. But this hybrid, in turn, is divided into two varieties that are:
- Summer Damasks (Rosa x damascena var. Damascena): it blooms only in summer.
- Autumn Damasks (Rosa x damascena var. Semperflorens): blooms from spring to fall.
How do you take care of yourself?
If you would like to have a specimen in your home, take note of our tips so that it flourishes abundantly:
- Location: place your plant in a place where it gets direct sunlight for at least 5 hours a day.
- Soil or substrate: it is not demanding, but it will grow better in those that have good drainage.
- Irrigation: during the summer it must be frequent, preventing the soil from drying out. The rest of the year the waterings will be spaced. Thus, in the warm months it will be watered every 2 or 3 days, and in the rest every 4-5 days.
- Planting / Transplant time: in spring.
- Pruning- Flowers should be removed as they wither and stems trimmed in February to stimulate new stem growth.
- Multiplication: by cuttings in late winter (February-March in the Northern Hemisphere).
- Rusticity: withstands cold down to -7ºC.
What uses does it have?
Rosa damascena is used as an ornamental plant, but also as a medicinal. It is sedative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antidepressant and reduces cholesterol levels. In order to take advantage of its benefits, you can use the cream, lotion, tincture or massage oil, but of course, never use it if you are pregnant or think you may be.
When in doubt, consult a professional.
Have you heard of the Rosa damascena?