How to Grow Damask Rose Kazanlik
Wikimedia Commons
Damask Rose Kazanlik
Rosa damascena 'Kazanlik'
shrubDamask Rose Kazanlik is a legendary rose variety native to Bulgaria, renowned for producing highly fragrant, semi-double pink flowers with an intensely sweet perfume. This historical rose has been cultivated for centuries in the Kazanlik Valley and is the primary source of Bulgarian rose oil, also known as attar of roses. It is a vigorous, thorny shrub that blooms prolifically in early summer.
When should you plant Damask Rose Kazanlik in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Damask Rose Kazanlik timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Damask Rose Kazanlik
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Damask Rose Kazanlik
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Damask Rose Kazanlik dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; prefers cool to moderate climates with distinct seasons
Sign up free to see if Damask Rose Kazanlik grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Damask Rose Kazanlik timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Winter
November-MarchPlant is leafless or nearly leafless; visible branch structure and thorny canes
Prune in late winter while dormant. Remove dead wood, crossing canes, and thin to open up center. Apply dormant oil spray if needed for pests.
Spring Growth
April-MayNew leaves emerge; plant leafs out fully with vigorous new cane growth
Begin regular watering and feeding with balanced fertilizer. Watch for early pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation.
Budding & Flowering
May-July (peak June)Flower buds form on branch tips; semi-double pink blooms open with intense fragrance
Do not deadhead if harvesting flowers for oil production. Provide consistent moisture. Stake if needed. Maintain pest and disease vigilance.
Post-Bloom
July-SeptemberFlowers fade; some hip formation if not harvested; plant may produce second lighter bloom
Cut spent flowers if desiring repeat blooms. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Continue watering and pest monitoring.
Fall Preparation
September-NovemberFoliage yellows and drops; plant slows growth; prepares for dormancy
Reduce watering gradually. Avoid heavy fertilizing. Do not prune hard; light cleanup only. Monitor for late-season diseases.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
-
Ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Remove affected leaves. Water at base only.
-
Remove and destroy infected plants. No cure; control mite vectors with miticides if needed. Purchase certified disease-free plants.
-
Hand-pick in early morning, use Japanese beetle traps away from plants, or apply neem oil. Milky spore for larvae in soil.
-
Remove infected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur or copper fungicides preventatively.
Uses
Rose Water & Culinary Flavoring
CulinaryDamask rose petals and rose water are used to flavor Middle Eastern and Indian desserts, beverages, jams, and syrups. The petals can be used fresh or dried in tea, salads, and confections. [source]
Attar of Roses & Perfumery
HouseholdThe essential oil (attar) extracted from Damask Rose Kazanlik petals is among the world's most prized and expensive perfume ingredients, with complex floral notes and unparalleled fragrance longevity. Used in fine perfumes, colognes, and cosmetics. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Skin Care
MedicinalRose petals and rose oil have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe inflammation, support skin health, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. Modern skincare products widely incorporate damask rose extracts. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Potpourri
CraftThe highly scented petals retain fragrance exceptionally well when dried, making them ideal for long-lasting potpourri, dried flower arrangements, sachets, and craft projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant, nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a valuable plant for supporting garden biodiversity and ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For rose oil production, harvest flowers in early morning just as blooms open fully, at peak fragrance. Pick individual flowers by cutting stems 1-2 inches below bloom. Collect in breathable baskets. Process immediately for oil extraction; fresh petals yield the highest oil quality. For dried roses or potpourri, harvest when petals are fully open but still firm. Dry in cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bulgaria's Kazanlik Valley has been the world capital of rose oil production for over 300 years; a single pound of attar requires approximately 10,000 pounds of fresh petals, making it more valuable by weight than gold.
- 🌱 Damask Rose Kazanlik is a hybrid rose (believed to be Rosa damascena × Rosa gallica) that was brought to Europe from the Middle East during the Crusades, and has been cultivated in Bulgaria since the 17th century.
- 🌱 The rose oil from this variety contains over 300 different compounds, including geraniol and citronellol, which give it its complex, sublime fragrance profile that cannot be fully replicated synthetically.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Damask Rose Kazanlik planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Damask Rose Kazanlik seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Damask Rose Kazanlik timeline →