Rosa centifolia Cristata - Crested Moss Rose

The Rose (x) centifolia Cristata is commonly known as the ' Chapeau de Napoleon' Old Rose because of its unique tricorn shape, with buds curiously covered in a frilled green calyx. It is a botanical species that appeared as a simple mutation of the Centifolia Rose, with an unparalleled fragrance and countless petals, which is beautifully called Cabbage Rose, May Rose or Dutch Rose. 'Cristata' forms a somewhat gangly bush with a flexible habit, bearing large-sized roses of a medium-intensity pure pink colour, opening into flattened cups around a bud-shaped eye. Its flowering, in June, exhales a sweet fragrance, both soft and sugary, recognisable among all.

This Cristata hundred-leaf rose should not be confused with the moss rose (Rosa centifolia Muscosa), which is covered in fragrant moss. Cristata' has a green petiole and calyx flanked by casual growths, but lacks its mossy cousin's fragrance. The 'Chapeau de Napoleon' rose, a spontaneous mutation of Rosa centifolia Communis, was discovered in Switzerland in 1827 by a certain Mr. Kirsch, then introduced into the horticultural trade by the Frenchman Vibert.

This rose develops into a slightly loose bush, with a rounded habit, which can reach 1.20m (3 ft 11 in) in height and 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in width, or even more, as it emits new stems from the base when grown on its own roots. Its stems, very flexible and arching, are green and covered in reddish thorns. They bear, from late spring through May-June depending on the climate, solitary roses, 8-9 cm (3.1 - 3.5 in) in diameter, with 40 petals sometimes arranged in very tight quarters. Their colour is a pure and fresh pink, slightly lighter on the edges, and their fragrance is powerful, perceptible several metres around. The bud, bright pink, is particularly ornamental when emerging from a lovely crown of mossy lace, of spring green. The foliage, greyish green, is composed of leaves divided into 5 to 7 leaflets. It is susceptible to diseases such as black spot and botrytis in humid climates. A plant that benefits from an airy and sunny locations, in drier climates, will be more resistant. The "moss" is sometimes affected by powdery mildew.

While the passion for botanical roses is not generally widespread, it is fully justified, especially in poor soils or under difficult climates: these roses are not only the parents of our modern roses, but also generally more robust and reliable. The 'Chapeau de Napoleon' Rose is neither the most floriferous nor the most vigorous of all, but it is a fascinating, precious and carefree rose, which attracts to the garden with the unique fragrance of its voluptuous roses, cultivated for the perfume industry. It is stunning in a small hedgerow or defensive hedge, leaning against sturdy bushes that will prevent it from leaning too much under the weight of its roses. Because it has style and carries within it a bit of the fantastic adventure of roses... It will ideally be placed in the background of perennial borders that will conceal its slightly bare base and its somewhat sparse foliage. Finally, it is a very hardy shrub, not demanding in terms of soil, which deserves, for the unique fragrance and texture of its cabbage roses, to be placed not far from a pathway.