Rose Pink Leda

‘Pink Leda’ is an ancient Damask rose of unknown origin, discovered before 1949, renowned for its pure pink color and strong fragrance.

Flower Characteristics

The flowers are medium-sized (5–8 cm), rosette-shaped, very full, have soft pink colour with darker pink edges. Their lush, nostalgic form features a button eye at the center, exuding a powerful old rose scent. The blooms emerge from small, rounded, dark crimson-pink buds. They flower in small clusters, with an abundant and prolonged display, although the bloom is typically once per season, in spring or early summer.

Foliage and Growth Habit

The foliage is healthy, matte, and ranges from grayish to dark green. The shrub is medium-sized, rounded, and bushy, reaching to about 90–150 cm in height and about the same in diameter. Forms upright plants, demonstrating an excellent winter hardiness and prickly stems that become more arching gracefully with age.

Pruning and Maintenance

"Pink Leda" blooms on old wood, so pruning should be done after flowering. Remove long stems and one or more very old branches after the bloom to shape the bush harmoniously. In spring, remove old, dead, or diseased wood.

Garden Uses

This rose attracts bees and other insects and can be used in gardens for mixed borders and landscape compositions. It is also suitable for hedges. Additionally, the rose petals are edible and can be used in culinary applications.

Resistance and Hardiness

This variety is heat-resistant and rain-tolerant. It thrives in climates similar to USDA Zones 4b-9b.

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

It is not evidently clear whether 'Pink Leda' is a sport from rose variety 'Leda' or it is other way around (Beales, Roses, 168; Thomas, The Old Shrub Roses, 158).

•Beales, Peter. Roses. Henry Holt and Company, Inc., 1992.

•Thomas, Graham Stuart. The Old Shrub Roses. Chas. T. Branford Co., 1956.

USDA 4 and warmer