Damask rose

The rose that made Taif's name — intense scent, a short concentrated season.

Scientific name: Rosa damascena
Family: Rose family
Also known as: Taif rose

Ornamentals

The Taif rose is the damask rose from which rose water and rose oil have been distilled in Taif for centuries. Its flowering season is short and concentrated in spring, but the density of its scent beats any other rose — which is why it deserves a prominent position rather than a row at the back.

At a glance

Plant typeShrub
WateringEvery 1–2 weeks
LightFull sun
Comfortable range5 – 35 °C
HeightUp to 2 m
SpreadUp to 3 m
FloweringLate spring to early summer

Care guide

Watering

Every one to two weeks with slight surface drying. Water at the root rather than over the foliage — repeatedly wetting the leaves invites fungal disease.

Light and heat

Full sun, with a clear preference for a mild-to-cool winter. That is precisely why it thrives in the Taif highlands rather than the hot lowlands.

Soil and feeding

Fertile, free-draining soil. Feed little and often: liquid feed fortnightly through spring and summer, and a slow-release every two months.

Pruning

Prune in early spring: clear dead wood and thin crowded stems to improve airflow and light. Good pruning translates directly into more flowers. Always use clean, sharp secateurs.

Propagation

Cuttings from non-flowering shoots, cut just below a node and treated with rooting hormone, kept in high humidity.

In Saudi conditions

It performs best in the highlands and milder regions — Taif, Al-Baha, Abha. It can be grown in Riyadh and hotter areas, but expect a shorter season and smaller flowers, and give it a position with afternoon shade.