Persiana Hybrid Foetida/Species Rose: Historic Persian Yellow

The Persiana rose, a Hybrid Foetida/Species from 1837 by Willock (also known as Austin Cemetery, Jaune de Perse, Persian Yellow), is a historic rose with single, bright yellow flowers and the characteristic foetida fragrance. A species cornerstone for yellow color in modern roses.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Species: foetida (FET-uh-duh)
Cultivar: 'Persiana'
Additional names: Austin Cemetery, Jaune de Perse, Persian Yellow
Hybridized by: Willock
Registered/Introduced: 1837
Synonyms: Rosa foetida f. persiana, Rosa foetida persiana

Rosa foetida is the primary source of yellow pigment in modern roses.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Arching shrub 4–6 feet. Ferny foliage. Flowers 2–3 inches, single, bright yellow. Distinctive foetida fragrance (some find it unpleasant). Once-blooming in late spring.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, even poor.
• Watering: Moderate.
• Pruning: After bloom.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9.

Landscape Uses

Heritage gardens, species collections, breeding history. The yellow gene source.