Rosa Great Maiden's Blush Flower

Rosa ‘Great Maiden’s Blush’: A Timeless Heirloom Rose of Grace and History
Rosa ‘Great Maiden’s Blush’ is one of the most enchanting old garden roses, celebrated for its delicate beauty, rich fragrance, and centuries-old heritage. Belonging to the Alba rose group, this cultivar is a living piece of horticultural history, evoking images of medieval gardens, Renaissance poetry, and traditional cottage landscapes. Its soft blush-pink blooms and elegant growth habit have made it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking romance, nostalgia, and reliability in their plantings.
Origins and Historical Significance
‘Great Maiden’s Blush’ is believed to date back to the 14th or 15th century, making it one of the oldest cultivated roses still in existence. It likely originated in France or Central Europe, where Alba roses were widely grown in monastery gardens and noble estates. Known by several synonyms—including ‘Cuisse de Nymphe’ and ‘Incarnata’—this rose has been mentioned in botanical texts for hundreds of years. Its presence in old paintings and manuscripts hints at its importance as both a decorative and symbolic flower during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The name “Maiden’s Blush” evokes purity, modesty, and gentle femininity—qualities that aligned perfectly with the cultural ideals of its time. In Victorian floriography, pale pink roses such as this symbolized grace, joy, and admiration, making them popular in romantic gestures and wedding bouquets.
Botanical Description
Rosa ‘Great Maiden’s Blush’ is a medium to large shrub, typically reaching 5–7 feet in height and spreading gracefully to a similar width. Its arching canes and grey-green foliage create a soft, airy appearance. The flowers are medium-sized, starting as tight, pointed buds that gradually unfurl into large, cupped blooms with over 40 petals.
The color of the blooms is one of its most captivating features: a delicate, pale pink that can appear almost white in strong sunlight, often deepening slightly toward the center. As the flowers age, they fade gracefully to ivory, retaining their classic charm. The fragrance is strong, sweet, and old-fashioned, often described as a combination of rose and apple blossom—a hallmark of many Alba roses.