Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’ is a historic moss rose first bred in France in 1845 by Jean Laffay. Known for its exceptional fragrance, this deep crimson rose is ideal for gardeners seeking a unique aromatic addition to their collection.
Characteristics of Rosa ‘Nuits de Young
- Flower Color: Deep crimson, velvety with yellow stamens
- Fragrance: Strong, fruity, spicy with raspberry, plum, and clove notes
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub reaching up to 1 meter tall
- Flowering Season: Late spring to summer
- Climate Adaptability: Coll to warm Temperate Zones. Suitable for USDA zones 5-9
How To grow Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’
How To Plant
- Choose a sunny location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball.
- Add organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Place the rose bush in the hole and fill with soil, ensuring the graft union (if applicable) is just above the soil line.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Light
- Full sun (at least 6 hours per day) is ideal for optimum growth and blooming. In our hot climate zone it does get a little afternoon shade.
- RA good amount of light is needed to produce robust flowers and healthy foliage.
Pruning
- Prune in early spring, cutting back dead or damaged wood and shaping the plant.
- You can prune back fairly hard is desired however Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’ is best pruned lightlf after flowering
- Deadhead spent flowers to improve plant the look of the plant if desired, however this is not a repeat flowering rose.
Fertiliser
- Many Roses are moderate to heavy feeders, however this one is a tough little plant. It will benefit from the usual application organic fertiliser and mulch but it is definatley not fussy.
- Use organic mulches around the base to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and reduce weeds.
Landscape Uses
Perfect for cottage gardens, low-maintenance beds, or container gardening due to its compact size and easy suckering habit.
Unique Benefits of Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’
- The mossy growth on stems helps resist aphids and sap-sucking insects.
- Petals are prized for making exquisite potpourri and fragrant indoor bouquets.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’ origins
This is a rose that originated in France in 1845, and is a hybrid rose bred by Jean Laffay. It is a ‘Moss Rose’. Thee name translates to ‘Nights of the Young’.
Moss roses are part of the centifolia group of roses (which are roses with of 100 petals) and are characterised, by a sort of sticky soft bristles or growth which covers stems and flower buds, so they are not as susceptible to sap sucking insects such aphids as are many other roses..
The rose is named after the title of a poetry collection by Edward Young, Les Nuits D’Young, around 1742 to1744, which includes his poem “Night-Thoughts”.
Other Moss roses include:
- Mousseline
- General kleber
- Celina
- Henri Martin
- Rosa oeillet
- James veitch
- Muscosa
- Shailers white Moss
- Quatre Saison Blanc Mousseux
- William Lobb
Detailed Description – Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’
- Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Nuits de Young’
- Common Names: Nocturnal Rose, Moss Rose
- Origin: France (Bred by Jean Laffay in 1845)
- Family: Rosaceae
- Genus: Rosa
- Cultivar Name: Nuits de Young
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub (Centifolia Moss Rose)
- Exposure/Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
- Soil Moisture: Moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
- Climate Zone: Cool to warm temperate zones. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 (adaptable to various climates with proper care)
- Drainage: Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot
- Water Requirements: Deep watering once a week; more frequently in hot, dry weather
- Height: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
- Width: 2.5-3 feet (75-90 cm) This is a suckering shrub.
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub with a compact and open foliage form
- Flower Colour: Deep crimson to purple with velvety appearance. Yellow stamens.
- Flowering Season: Late spring to summer
- Fragrance: Strong, fruity, spicy, with notes of raspberry, plum, and clove
- Foliage: Glossy, mid green leaves.
- Root System: Strong, with a well-established, fibrous root system
- Lifespan: Long-lived perennial (can live for many years with proper care)
- Landscaping Uses: Grown for the fragrant flowers,
- Garden Styles: Cottage gardens, and low-maintenance beds
- Special Uses: Petals are used for Potpourri, and make good small cut flowers for a beautiful fragrance indoors.
- Plant Environment: Best in full sun, well-drained soil, and sheltered from wind; ideal for mid-sized gardens
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate; may require winter protection in colder climates (e.g., mulch, rose collars)
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate, once established; regular watering during dry spells helps maintain healthy blooms
- Attracts Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies,.
- Toxic to Dogs/Cats: Generally non-toxic to dogs and cats, though the petals and leaves should not be consumed in large quantities.