Damask Roses originated in the eastern Mediterranean and were grown by Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, and Romans. They are extraordinarily fragrant and have a parenting mix from a Gallica rose and a wild Species rose. They are cold hardy, even growing in zone 4, but are very thorny and have an arching growth habit. They reach about three to seven feet tall and most only bloom once a year. Damask roses, unlike Gallicas, need good fertile soil to thrive.