Damask Rose Plant Care
Rosa damascena Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rosa × damascena, more commonly known as the Damask rose, or sometimes as the Iranian Rose, Bulgarian rose, Taif rose, Emirati rose, Ispahan rose, Isparta rose, and Castile rose, is a rose hybrid derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. DNA analysis has shown that a third species, Rosa fedtschenkoana, made some genetic contributions to the Damask rose.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Damask Rose?
Water Damask Rose every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Damask Rose?
Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Damask Rose is also known as Rose of Castile.
Damask Rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Damask Rose?
Rosa damascena requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Damask Rose Need?
Damask Rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Damask Rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Damask Rose Prefer?
Rosa damascena grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Damask Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Damask Rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Damask Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Damask Rose?
Feed Damask Rose every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Damask Rose?
Damask Rose can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Damask Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Damask Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Damask Rose?
Damask Rose is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Damask Rose Need?
Damask Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Damask Rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Damask Rose is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rosa genus — compare its care with other Rosa species on PlantoScan.
Rosa is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Damask Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rosa Species
Other Rosa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rosa damascena Mill., family Rosaceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : Rosa n.º 15 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Damask Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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