Roses that are Classified as Damask
It is widely assumed that the first damask rose in Europe found its way there when a nobleman brought it with him from the Levant upon returning from the Crusades. This is only of importance because it suggests a class of roses that might have just a little more tolerance of heat and bright sun and dry weather than do gallicas. Damasks can be quite fragrant; Kazanlik is used to create rose attar for perfumes. They can be quite foliferous; Celsiana will cover itself in pink blossoms. In several cases the flowers are almost three inches across, flat, and intricately inlaid with petals as is the case with Madame Hardy. Damasks may be less prone to downy mildew than Centifolias and less prone to black spot than Bourbons. A number are better branched than most of the old european roses except, perhaps, Albas.