Roses
in ancient Rome
Species of rose cultivated in Roman times are belived to be:
- Rosa bifera L. believed by some to be the justly famous twice-blooming rose of Paestum.
- Rose gallica L., the apothacary rose;
- Rosa phoenicea L., which originated in the near East;
- Rosa damascena L., of which some believe the highly praised twice-flowering rose of Paestum was a cultivar;
- Rosa moschata L., the autumn flowering musk;
- Rosa canina L. the dog rose;
- Rosa centifloia L., the cabbage rose,
- Rosa alba L. Modern botanists believe that the centifolia rose mentioned by Greek and Latin sources could be a form of Rosa alba L.
Related Links
bibliography
Ancient Roman Gardens; Linda Farrar;1998; p140