Rosa × damascena

Rosa damascena5

Gole mohamadi

Bulgarian Rosa damascena

Rosa × damascena, commonly known as the Damask rose, is a hybrid rose, derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. Renowned for its fine fragrance, the Damask rose is widely grown for its oil, known as rose oil, which is used in perfumery, as well as for rose water, rose concrete, and rose absolute. It is also used in the cosmetics industry and in medicine for its various therapeutic properties. The Damask rose has a long history, with its cultivation dating back to ancient times, and it plays a significant role in the cultural traditions of many countries.

Description

The Damask rose is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.2 meters. It is characterized by its dense, prickly stems and pinnate leaves with five to seven leaflets. The flowers are renowned for their distinctive fragrance and are usually pink to light red in color. Each flower is densely packed with petals and can reach up to 5 cm in diameter. The Damask rose blooms in late spring to early summer, with some varieties known as autumn Damasks also flowering a second time in the fall.

History

The origins of Rosa × damascena are believed to be in the Middle East, with its cultivation spreading across Europe, North Africa, and Asia over centuries. It is thought to have been first cultivated in ancient Persia, from where it spread to the Roman Empire and then to various parts of Europe. The Damask rose was highly valued in medieval gardens for its scent, medicinal properties, and beauty. It played a significant role in the economies of the Middle East, especially in places like Bulgaria and Turkey, where it became central to the rose oil industry.

Cultivation

The cultivation of the Damask rose requires specific climatic conditions, with a preference for temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with good sunlight exposure. The plants are propagated through cuttings or grafting and require regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage blooming. The main harvesting period for the flowers is in the early morning, when the concentration of volatile oils is highest.

Uses

The Damask rose has a variety of uses, ranging from culinary to medicinal. In the culinary world, rose water and dried petals are used to flavor desserts, jams, and beverages. Medicinally, the rose oil and rose water distilled from the petals have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They are used in treatments for skin conditions, sore throats, and digestive issues. In perfumery, the Damask rose's oil is a key ingredient in many high-end fragrances.

Cultural Significance

The Damask rose holds significant cultural importance in many societies. It is a symbol of love and beauty and is often associated with important religious and spiritual ceremonies. In Iran, the rose is celebrated during the annual Golab Giri festival, where rose water is produced in large quantities. Similarly, in Bulgaria, the Rose Valley region is famous for its annual rose festival, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of the Damask rose.