Pink Rose Petal

Damask rose, fancily known to scientists as Rosa damascena, is of royal origin as it is believed to have arisen in Damascus (present-day Syria).  Damask rose is the result of the cross-pollination of Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata. The beauty and fragrance of this hybrid are highly tempting, making it a perfect plant to add to your garden.

This deciduous shrub can attain the height of 6 feet at most with prickled stems and pinnate leaves. Its petals are arranged in a beautiful pearl, showcasing moderate pink shade. Its attractive appearance and delightful aroma give it a perfect profile to be an ornamental plant.

Apart from its long-sung beauty, rose petals of the damask rose are of extreme value in the medicinal world. From the garden to the kitchen and maiden’s room, the petals are utilized not just for its fragrance but for its remarkable pharmacologic properties, including antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-diarrhea, astringent, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, analgesic, and it even acts as an antidepressant.

Rose petals are heavy with citronellol, geraniol, nerol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, eugenol, and various other phytochemicals that impart it the principle activity and world-famous fragrance.

Rosa damascena is usually grown for commercial purposes, to add its essential oil in perfumes. But they can be a good addition to any garden.

Rosa damascena is started via a year old stem cuttings or seeds. This hybrid can be started in spring, both indoors and outdoors. It requires full to partial sun exposure with a well-drained sandy or loamy mix along with a dash of fertilizer.

The seeds of Rosa damascena take around 18 months to germinate. The plant grows moderately after germination. On the other hand, the plant started via cutting takes only 6 weeks to produce flowers.

It blooms in spring to invite insects for pollination. Usually, they are self-pollinated because both male and female organs are in the same flower. With pollination comes fertilization, followed by post-fertilization changes in the flower that leads to fruit formation. The fruits are fleshy and contain seeds that can be propagated by animals or saved to be sown later.

Rosa damascena flowers are harvested when they are in full bloom i.e. when spring is at its peak.

Rose petals and red fruits of Rosa damascena are harvested zealously all around the world by shears or hands.

The petals of the rose are separated from the rest of its body and splayed on the baking sheet. They are dried in the oven for 20 minutes or until they seem brittle to touch.

The love affair of roses with boudoir is the talk of the town. The petals are fervently used to seek their fortune.

• Tincture - Infuse fresh or dry chopped rose petals in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
• Tea - Dried rose petals are rolled to boil in water for 10 minutes to form its tea. Honey can be incorporated in the rose to tea sweeten it.
• Decoction - Dried rose petals are boiled in water for 20 to 40 minutes to yield the decocted liquid.
• Salve - Rose petal oil is stirred in melted beeswax to form rose salve.
• Syrup - Rose petals, white granulated sugar, and water are rolled to boil to form a rose syrup.
• Infused oil - Rose petals can be heated in any carrier oil to form rose oil.

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