Cabbage Rose (Centifolia): The Classic Hundred-Petalled Rose

The Cabbage Rose, or Rosa centifolia, is the quintessential Centifolia (hundred-petalled) rose, known since before 1318. Also called Cabbage Provence, Provence Rose, or Kohl-Rose, this ancient cultivar produces globular, highly double pink flowers with an exquisite, heavy fragrance. Its hybridizer is lost to history.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Cultivar: 'Cabbage Rose'
Additional names: Cabbage Provence, Centifolia, Hundred-Petalled Rose, Kohl-Rose, Provence Rose
Hybridized by: Unknown
Registered/Introduced: pre-1318
Synonyms: Rosa centifolia, Rosa gallica centifolia, Rosa x centifolia

Centifolia roses are mutations of Damask roses, selected for their extreme petal count. They have been cultivated for centuries for rose oil and perfume.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Open, arching shrub 4–6 feet. Coarse, grey-green foliage. Flowers are large, very double, pink, with a strong, sweet Damask perfume. Blooms once in late spring/early summer. Hips are rare.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline.
• Watering: Regular.
• Pruning: Light, after bloom; remove dead wood.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9.

Landscape Uses

Heritage gardens, perfume gardens, mixed shrub borders. The heavy flowers may nod, so plant where they can be viewed from below.