How to Grow Cramoisie Superieur

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Cramoisie Superieur

Rosa × damascena 'Cramoisie Supérieur'

shrub

Cramoisie Superieur is a Damask rose cultivar known for its deep crimson-red, fully double flowers with a rich fragrance. This historic rose variety blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season, making it more garden-practical than many heirloom Damask roses. It was introduced in the early 19th century and remains popular among heritage rose enthusiasts.

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Example Cramoisie Superieur timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Cramoisie Superieur
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Cramoisie Superieur
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cramoisie Superieur dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Deep watering 1-2 times weekly depending on rainfall and temperature; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms appear within 6-8 weeks of active growth; full mature plant takes 2-3 years

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Planting depth: Plant grafted roses with bud union 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold zones, at or slightly above in warm zones

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coco coir Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy/Bare Root Establishment

2-4 weeks

Plant arrives bare root or freshly potted; minimal foliage present, focus on root development

Soak roots 12-24 hours before planting; plant in early spring; water thoroughly after planting; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base

Spring Growth & Foliation

4-6 weeks

New shoots emerge from canes; compound leaves develop; plant establishes rapidly

Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks; ensure consistent moisture; remove any diseased/dead wood; apply fungicide if powdery mildew appears

First Bloom Cycle

4-6 weeks

Flower buds form along canes; deep crimson double blooms appear; strong fragrance

Deadhead spent blooms just above first 5-leaflet leaf to encourage repeat blooming; continue fertilizing; monitor for spider mites and aphids

Summer Reblooming

8-12 weeks

Plant produces successive flushes of flowers throughout warm months; foliage remains lush green

Maintain regular deadheading; continue deep watering during heat; reduce nitrogen fertilizer in late summer to avoid excessive soft growth; watch for black spot in humid conditions

Fall & Winter Dormancy

10-16 weeks

Blooming slows; foliage may yellow and drop; plant prepares for winter rest

Cease fertilizing by late August; reduce watering gradually; prune out dead/diseased canes; apply winter mulch (4-6 inches) after first hard frost in cold zones; do major pruning in early spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint Salvia Geranium Santolina Alliums Clematis Boxwood

Avoid planting near:

Shallow-rooted plants competing for water Black walnut (juglans nigra) — produces juglone toxin Fennel — inhibits growth of many plants

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days; introduce ladybugs
Increase humidity with overhead watering; apply miticide or sulfur spray; severe infestations may require systemic acaricide
Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide (sulfur, copper, or rose-specific fungicides) every 7-14 days in humid conditions
Ensure good air circulation; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; avoid high nitrogen fertilizer; prune lower canes for better airflow
No cure; remove infected plant entirely and destroy; control vector (eriophyid mites) with miticides on nearby plants
Hand-pick early morning when beetles are sluggish; use pheromone traps away from plantings; apply neem oil or spinosad for heavy infestations

Uses

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Rose Water & Petals

Culinary

Petals from heirloom rose varieties like Cramoisie Superieur can be used to make rose water, infusions for teas, and culinary garnishes. The fragrant petals add floral notes to desserts, jams, and beverages. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedies

Medicinal

Historically, rose petals and rose hips have been used in traditional medicine for their vitamin C content and astringent properties to support respiratory and digestive health. Rose water has been used in skincare and aromatherapy for centuries. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

The stunning crimson double blooms and intoxicating fragrance make Cramoisie Superieur an exceptional choice for fresh cut flower arrangements, floral design, and special occasions. The repeat blooming ensures multiple harvests throughout the season. [source]

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Fragrance & Perfumery

Household

The rich, classic Damask rose fragrance can be captured through petal infusions, dried petals in potpourri, or rose oil distillation for homemade perfumes and scented products. The scent is one of the most prized in traditional perfumery. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

While double roses have reduced pollen accessibility, Cramoisie Superieur still attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden landscape, supporting biodiversity in ornamental settings. The nectar provides resources for beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated; cut just above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf at a 45-degree angle; cut blooms can last 5-7 days in a vase with fresh water and flower food; deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous reblooming; avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the plant at once

Fun Facts

🌱 Cramoisie Superieur was introduced in France in the early 1800s and is one of the few Damask roses that blooms repeatedly throughout the season, earning it the distinction of being an early 'English-style' repeat bloomer hybrid.
🌱 The name 'Cramoisie' (or 'Crimson') refers to the deep red color derived from the kermes insect dye used historically in European textiles — matching the rose's rich coloration.
🌱 This historic cultivar is still considered one of the most fragrant and reliable heirloom roses by heritage rose societies and remains virtually unchanged after 200+ years of cultivation, making it a living connection to 19th-century gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bare Root Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Heirloom Mulch pH

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