Quatre Saisons

Syn:  Autumn Damask, Rosa x damescena ‘Bifera’, Rosa damascena semperflorens

 ARS Rating:  8.2

 Class:   Damask

 Date:  pre-1867 (ancient)

 Breeder:   

Blooms:  Double.  Flowers have crumpled petals and are sometimes quartered.

Bloom Frequency:  Once blooming in the spring with possible repeat in the fall.

Color:  Medium Pink.

Fragrance:  Very fragrant.

 Thorns:  Very thorny.

Approximate Height:  4’ x 3’ or taller

 Description and Care:  Vigorous, sprawling shrub.  Could use supports.  Good for pegging.  Leaves are pale yellowish-gray-green and are prolifically borne. 

I have never sprayed this rose and it never has any disease problems.  You may need to lightly prune to reduce sprawling.

 History:  An ancient variety thought to be the rose mentioned by Herodotus in 5^th century BC, growing in the gardens of King Midas.  Most likely a hybrid between Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata.  It is unique among ancient roses in that it may flower twice.  This ability to repeat and the good scent were used by early breeders of Noisettes who combined Quatre Saisons and old Chinese garden roses. 

 Comments:  This is an extremely easy rose to grow and well suited to organic gardening methods.