Chinese scientist: The Bulgarian Damask rose is not quite a rose

The Bulgarian rose, known as Damask Rose, is a symbol of tradition in rose production, but according to Prof. Jinyoung Hu, a leading Chinese expert on rose genetics, botanically it is an unusual hybrid. "This rose is not quite a rose in the strict sense of the word," explains Prof. Hu. "Its origin involves crosses between Chinese and European lines, which makes it unique, but different from the typical species roses that bloom only once a year." This complex genetics explains why Damask Rose has such a distinctive aroma and why it is so valuable for rose oil, tea, and confectionery. Farmers engaged in rose production can take advantage of this knowledge because the correct selection of varieties is key to yield and quality. Prof. Hu emphasizes that the differences in flowering and aroma are not just a matter of climate or soil, but are due to the hybrid origin of the rose. This means that to achieve optimal rose oil yield, producers must focus on proven lines that provide both a ...