Rosa 'Ispahan'

Rosa 'Ispahan', also known as 'Rose d'Ispahan' and 'Pompon des Princes', is a clear pink, half-open kind of Damask rose, a type of garden rose introduced from the Middle East to Europe during the crusading 13th century.

The double flowers are big, reaching a diameter of 9 centimetres (3.5 in), and have a strong, sweet fragrance.

[1][3][4] The cultivar tolerates half shade, poor soils and is well suited for harsher climates.

[5] Its origin is unclear – it was introduced in the UK by the garden designer Norah Lindsay (1873–1948), but was probably developed in the early 19th century – probably in Persia.

David Austin still recommends it highly as free flowering, among the first Old Roses to start blooming and the last to continue, and for its fine Damask fragrance.

Rosa 'Ispahan' flowering on Rosenhang Karben (Germany)