Rose Communis

This Old moss rose, known as 'Old Moss,' was first mentioned in Carcassonne, France, around 1696 (with the earliest reliable reference dating to 1699). It is considered the first "moss" rose, originating as a sport of the Centifolia rose.

It has many other synonymous names: Centifolia Muscosa 'Communis', Mousseuse à fleurs doubles, R. centifolia muscosa, Centifolia rosea (common moss), Common Moss, Communis, Double Moss Rose, Gewoehnliche Moosrose, Moss Provence, Mousseau Ancien, Mousseuse commune, Mousseuse ordinaire, Mousseuse rose, Moussu ancien, Muscosa, Muscosa Multiplex, Old Moss, Old Pink Moss, Pink Moss, Rosier mousseux à fleurs doubles, Rosier Mousseux, Rosa X centifolia 'Muscosa', Rosa muscosa communis, Rosa muscosa Ait.

The blooms are a delicate pale pink, adorned with dark mossy sepals, and exude a strong fragrance. The buds are densely covered with aromatic "moss," and the flowers are small to medium-sized, about 6 to 8 cm) in diameter, very full, up to 50 petals, and beautifully scented. It blooms primarily as solitary flowers or in small clusters, offering a once-only display in early summer before setting decorative rose hips.

The plant forms a bushy, upright shrub with arching, very thorny stems, reaching 120–180 cm in height and 120–150 cm in width. It can transition to its own roots over time, producing basal shoots. The foliage is large, matte, and light green, with 5 - 7 leaflets, including the terminal leflet. The stems and buds are covered in aromatic mossy bristles, adding a unique charm. With moderate frost hardiness (USDA Zones 6b–9b, or 4–9 according to some sources), this rose can be trained on supports or arches. It is also suitable for cutting, with its fragrance attracting bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

Unfortunately we do not have information about the origin of the name of this rose.

Tetraploid rose.

A sport of Rosa centifolia L.

USDA 6 and warmer