How to Grow Queen of Denmark Rose
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Queen of Denmark Rose
Rosa 'Königin von Dänemark'
shrubKönigin von Dänemark is a classic damask rose cultivar known for its fully double, quartered blooms in soft pink with a strong fragrance. This heirloom variety dates back to 1826 and produces dense, upright growth with lush green foliage. It is prized by rose enthusiasts for its old-fashioned charm and reliable, abundant flowering.
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Example Queen of Denmark Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Queen of Denmark Rose
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 Queen of Denmark Rose
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, with cold hardiness to zone 4b
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Get my Queen of Denmark Rose timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
Late winter through early summerCanes elongate and branches develop; plant grows into its characteristic upright form with dense foliage
Support tall growth if needed. Prune out crossing or weak canes. Continue regular watering and mulching. Begin monthly fertilization in spring.
Flowering
6-8 weeks per flush, multiple flushes from late spring to fallDense clusters of fully double, quartered pink blooms appear; flowers are fragrant and bloom repeatedly throughout season
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Water at bloom time to support flower production. Avoid wetting petals.
Mid-Season Management
Mid-June through AugustPlant continues to produce blooms with possible lighter flowering in midsummer heat
Provide afternoon shade in zones 8+. Continue watering deeply. Fertilize monthly with rose-specific fertilizer or slow-release formula.
Fall and Winter Dormancy
September through MarchFlowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage begins to yellow and drop; plant prepares for dormancy
Reduce watering. Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before first frost. Do not deadhead—allow hips to form, signaling dormancy. Prune back in late winter before growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected plants immediately. Control insect vectors (spider mites, aphids). No cure; prevention is key.
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Improve air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Apply sulfur or neem oil at first sign. Water at base only. Avoid overhead watering.
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Ensure good air flow. Apply sulfur, neem oil, or baking soda spray. Reduce humidity around plant.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Hand-pick early morning. Use pheromone traps away from roses. Apply spinosad if infestation is heavy.
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Increase humidity. Spray undersides of leaves with water. Apply sulfur or neem oil.
Uses
Edible Rose Petals and Syrups
CulinaryThe fragrant pink petals can be crystallized, made into rose water for perfuming cakes and desserts, or infused into syrups and beverages. Only use roses grown without chemical pesticides. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRose hips (the fruit after flowering) are rich in vitamin C and have been used in traditional medicine for immune support and joint health. Dried hips can be brewed into tea. [source]
Fragrance and Perfumery
HouseholdThe strong, complex fragrance makes this rose ideal for cut flower arrangements, dried arrangements, and homemade pot-pourri. The scent is distinctive and long-lasting. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftFully double blooms dry beautifully and retain their form and color, making them perfect for pressed flower crafts, arrangements, and botanical art projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile the fully double form limits seed production, the flowers attract pollinators and provide nectar. Hips that do form feed birds and wildlife in fall and winter. [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 petals are fully open but before peak heat. Use sharp pruners and cut stems at a 45-degree angle above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf. Stems will rebloom from the next leaf node. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in water. For dried flowers, harvest at peak bloom and hang upside down in a cool, dark place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Königin von Dänemark was bred in Denmark in 1826 and named to honor the Queen of Denmark, making it one of the oldest existing damask rose cultivars still widely grown today.
- 🌱 This rose is known for its extreme fragrance concentration—a single bloom can perfume an entire room with its sweet, complex scent reminiscent of honey, citrus, and spice.
- 🌱 The deeply quartered, perfectly symmetrical blooms are often used as the archetype for romantic old garden roses in paintings and botanical illustrations.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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