How to Grow Antique Rose Constance
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Antique Rose Constance
Rosa × centifolia 'Constance'
shrubConstance is a Centifolia or Cabbage Rose, a heritage variety prized for its intensely fragrant, fully double blooms in soft pink tones. These roses are known for their romantic, quartered flower form and exceptional perfume, making them popular in heritage and cottage gardens. The plant is a deciduous shrub with moderate vigor and repeat blooming capabilities.
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Example Antique Rose Constance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Antique Rose Constance
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Antique Rose Constance
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Antique Rose Constance dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Dormancy & Planting
2-4 weeksBare-root canes appear dead; after planting, buds begin to swell and early shoots emerge from eyes
Plant in early spring while dormant; prune to remove dead wood and shape the plant; apply pruning sealer; water gently to settle soil
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops leafy green shoots and dense foliage; growth is vigorous and bushy
Water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; remove diseased or crossing canes; monitor for pests; mulch around base
Bud Formation & Flowering
4-6 weeks (varies with variety and repeat cycles)Flower buds form on cane tips; blooms open slowly, revealing the characteristic quartered, many-petaled form; intense fragrance develops
Support heavy blooms with stakes if needed; deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming; continue watering at soil level; avoid overhead watering
Summer & Repeat Bloom Cycles
8-12 weeksAfter first bloom flush, plant enters rest period then produces subsequent flushes of flowers; foliage remains healthy
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase potassium for flower production; prune spent flowers; water deeply but less frequently
Fall Decline & Dormancy
4-8 weeksFlowering slows; foliage may develop autumn colors before dropping; plant gradually hardifies for winter
Stop fertilizing in late summer; allow hips to form to signal dormancy; clean up fallen leaves; apply winter mulch in cold zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply sulfur or miticide if severe; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove infected leaves; ensure good air circulation; water at soil level; apply sulfur or fungicide; clean up fallen debris
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Thin canes for airflow; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur, baking soda solution, or fungicide; remove affected leaves
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from roses; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial parasitic wasps
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No cure; remove infected plant immediately; control aphid vectors; purchase certified virus-free roses
Uses
Rose Water & Petal Cuisine
CulinaryThe intensely fragrant petals of heritage Centifolia roses like Constance can be used to make rose water, rose syrup, and candied petals for desserts and beverages. Ensure the variety has not been treated with pesticides before culinary use. [source]
Herbal Remedies & Skincare
MedicinalRose petals have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for their mild astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Rose infusions and rose-infused oils are used in natural skincare formulations and aromatherapy. [source]
Perfume & Fragrance Production
HouseholdCentifolia roses are among the finest sources of rose fragrance compounds, historically used in perfumery and cosmetics. The concentrated essential oils and rose absolutes are primary ingredients in high-end perfumes and colognes. [source]
Dried Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe fully double blooms dry exceptionally well, retaining color and fragrance for months. Dried petals are used in potpourri, sachets, craft projects, and decorative arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile fully double roses produce less pollen than singles, heritage roses like Constance still attract pollinators and provide nectar, supporting bee populations and beneficial insects in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut blooms in early morning when fully open for longest vase life; use sharp, clean pruners; cut at a 45-degree angle above an outward-facing leaf node; remove lower leaves below waterline; change water every 2-3 days; these intensely fragrant blooms are exceptional for cutting and arrangements, often lasting 1-2 weeks indoors
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Constance and other Centifolia roses are among the oldest cultivated roses, with origins tracing to the Netherlands in the 17th century, often depicted in Dutch Golden Age paintings.
- 🌱 The name 'Cabbage Rose' comes from the dense, many-petaled bloom form that resembles a miniature head of cabbage; some blooms contain over 100 petals.
- 🌱 Centifolia roses are the primary source of absolute rose oil (also called attar), which is used in the world's finest perfumes and costs hundreds of dollars per pound due to the labor-intensive extraction process.
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