Rosa de Rescht Rose Bushes

• Variety: Rosa de Rescht
• Type: Shrub Rose (Portland Damask)
• Colour: Deep fuchsia-pink to crimson, fully double pompon blooms
• Fragrance: Very strong – rich, sweet, old rose
• Height: 90cm (3ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew
• Good for: Small gardens, borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Rosa de Rescht is a Portland Damask shrub rose producing deep fuchsia-pink, fully double pompon flowers from June to October. With exceptional old rose fragrance and a compact upright habit, it's one of the finest repeat-flowering heritage roses for smaller gardens.

Rosa de Rescht, A Heritage Rose for Modern Gardens

Rosa de Rescht carries all the charm of the old garden roses but with a gift the old roses rarely offered: it flowers reliably from June right through to the first frosts. The blooms are tightly packed with petals, forming perfect pompon shapes in a deep fuchsia-pink that deepens to crimson as they open. What sets this variety apart, however, is its fragrance. It's one of those rare modern introductions that genuinely smells like a rose should – rich, sweet, unmistakably old rose in character.

The origin of Rosa de Rescht remains something of a mystery, though it's believed to have been introduced to Britain by the legendary plantswomen Nancy Lindsay from Persia sometime in the 1940s. Since then it has become a stalwart of heritage rose gardens, prized equally by garden designers and cottage gardeners. The compact, upright habit – reaching just 90cm (3ft) – makes it ideal for smaller plots where space is at a premium. You can place it at the front of a border where its dense flowering won't obscure plants behind, or use it in a container on a patio where you can enjoy the fragrance.

This is a rose that asks little and gives much. It shows good resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew, two diseases that can plague less robust varieties. In a well-draining spot with reasonable drainage and adequate light, it will reward you year after year with repeat flushes of those intoxicating blooms.

Why Rosa de Rescht Belongs in Smaller Gardens

The real strength of Rosa de Rescht lies in its compact size combined with abundant flowering. Unlike many older roses that put on a single, glorious show in June and then rest until next year, this Portland Damask produces wave after wave of blooms throughout the growing season. It won't dominate a small space or require heavy pruning to keep it in bounds. The upright, tidy habit means it fits naturally into borders alongside perennials and shrubs without becoming unwieldy. And because the flowers are held on short stems close to the plant, you get the visual impact of a dense flowering shrub rather than a loose, airy framework.

For cut flowers, the blooms are exceptional. They last well in water, open slowly, and perfume a room immediately. A single stem is enough to fill an entire space with fragrance – this is not a rose for those who prefer their scent subtle.

Hardiness and Care

Rosa de Rescht is hardy throughout the UK and will survive severe winters without protection. Plant it in full sun for the strongest flowering, though it will tolerate partial shade – though flowering may be slightly reduced in deep shade. Improve the soil with well-rotted compost or farmyard manure before planting. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood, cutting back by no more than a third. The disease resistance mentioned above means you're less likely to need fungicide treatments, though good air circulation around the plant helps prevent problems. Water during dry spells, particularly in the first season, and feed with a balanced rose fertiliser in spring.

Companion Plants for Heritage Roses

Rosa de Rescht's fuchsia-pink blooms pair beautifully with herbaceous perennials and complementary shrubs. Try it with soft purple lavender for a classic cottage garden combination, or partner it with silvery artemisia to make the pink sing. Clematis varieties flowering at the same time can be woven through, creating layers of interest. For structure, underplant with ornamental allium bulbs, and use hardy geraniums or salvias as edging plants to soften the edges of the border.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries

Our roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown for us by specialist rose growers who understand what makes a strong, healthy plant. Award-winning nursery standards mean your Rosa de Rescht arrives ready to flourish. Shop our complete shrub rose collection for more heritage and modern varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rosa de Rescht need a lot of pruning?

No. Prune lightly in spring to remove dead wood and maintain shape, cutting back by up to a third. The compact habit means it rarely becomes overgrown or requires severe cutting back.

When should I plant Rosa de Rescht?

Bare root plants go in from November to March. Potted plants can be planted year-round as long as you water them in well. Autumn and spring planting gives the best establishment.

How quickly does Rosa de Rescht flower?

Potted plants flower in their first season. Bare root plants may produce a few flowers in year one but really establish themselves in year two onwards.

Is Rosa de Rescht suitable for containers?

Yes, absolutely. Its compact 90cm habit and repeat-flowering nature make it excellent in pots. Use a deep container with good drainage and quality potting compost, feeding regularly during the growing season.

Can I grow Rosa de Rescht in partial shade?

It will tolerate partial shade, though full sun produces the strongest flowering. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best results.