Moss Roses

Among the old roses, moss roses are perhaps the most unique. Derived from a mutation of Rosa centifolila, Rosa centifolia muscosa with single flowers has passed down to all its descendants a unique characteristic: their sepals, clearly visible on the flower buds, are covered in a kind of pleasantly scented moss. Bushes like Gloire des Mousseux, Salet, or Quatre Saisons Blanc Mousseux are highly appreciated by lovers of old roses, for their fragrance as well as their sometimes very repeat flowering, almost continuous in 'Salet'.  Moss roses have an upright habit and do not exceed 1.20 m (4ft) to 1.50 m (5ft) in height; there are no climbers in this category. Rescued from the Victorian era, these roses are unusual and endearing garden bushes, no more difficult to grow than most old or modern roses.