Introduction & History

Tuscany Superb is one of the great dark roses of the old garden world, producing semi-double flowers of such deep, saturated crimson-maroon that they appear almost black in certain lights. When the velvety petals open fully to reveal a center of brilliant golden stamens, the contrast is electrifying: darkness and light in perfect tension, as dramatic as a Caravaggio painting. This improved form of the original 'Tuscany' (also called the 'Old Velvet Rose') was selected by Thomas Rivers, the renowned Hertfordshire nurseryman, before 1837. While the original Tuscany had fewer petals and a more open form, Tuscany Superb is slightly larger in flower, more robust in growth, and better in the garden, making it the version almost universally grown today. In an age of fluorescent modern roses, Tuscany Superb offers a reminder that true sophistication in roses lies not in brightness but in depth: depth of color, depth of fragrance, and depth of history.

Breeding History

Tuscany Superb was selected by Thomas Rivers of the Sawbridgeworth nursery in Hertfordshire, England, before 1837, as an improvement on the older gallica variety known as 'Tuscany' or 'Old Velvet Rose.' The original Tuscany may date to the 16th century and is sometimes identified with the 'Velvet Rose' described by Gerard in his 1597 Herball. Rivers' selection ('Superb') offered a larger flower with more petals, slightly larger foliage, and more vigorous growth. Both are presumed to be selections from Rosa gallica, though the extreme dark coloring suggests possible admixture with other species. Tuscany Superb has largely replaced the original Tuscany in commerce, though the older form survives in heritage collections.

Flower Form & Fragrance

Flowers are semi-double to lightly double, with 20-24 large, broadly overlapping petals, 8-10 cm across. The color is extraordinarily deep: dark crimson-maroon with a velvety texture that absorbs light, appearing nearly black in shadow. When fully open, the flowers display a dramatic central boss of bright golden stamens against the dark petals. Blooms appear in clusters of 1-3 in a single June flush. The fragrance is rich, strong, and intoxicating: deeply rose-scented with wine-like, slightly musky undertones. One of the most intensely fragrant gallica roses.

Garden Design & Uses

A dramatic focal point in any garden. Plant against light-colored walls or pale companions to maximize the contrast effect. Stunning with silver-foliaged plants like Artemisia, Stachys byzantina, or pale lavender. Pairs magnificently with old roses in lighter shades: cream, blush, and pale pink. Effective in cottage gardens, historical gardens, and romantic mixed borders. The dark flowers glow against a backdrop of white climbing roses or pale stone. Use in jewel-toned planting schemes with deep purples, burgundies, and golds.

Growth Habit & Hardiness

An upright, moderately vigorous shrub reaching 120-150 cm tall with a spread of 100-120 cm. Stems are relatively smooth with moderate thorns and red-tinted young growth. Foliage is large, dark green, and matte-textured with broad leaflets, larger and more robust than many other gallicas. The overall habit is slightly more vigorous and substantial than the original Tuscany. The plant suckers moderately when on its own roots. Growth rate is moderate. The dark red tint of young shoots complements the dark flowers.

Climate & Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, with excellent cold tolerance to -40°C like all gallica roses. Performs well across temperate Europe and North America. Good heat tolerance through zone 8 but may struggle in the deep South with high humidity and warm nights. The dark flowers are best appreciated in climates with ample sunshine to illuminate them; they can appear murky in consistently overcast conditions. Prefers continental climates with cold winters and warm, relatively dry summers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Planting & Container Growing

Standard gallica requirements: well-drained, moderately fertile soil, pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates alkaline and somewhat poor soils. Plant in full sun for the best color development and flower quality. Space 90-100 cm apart. Good air circulation reduces disease on the large, semi-open blooms. Mulch with organic matter. A light-colored background (pale wall, white fence, silver-leaved shrubs) dramatically enhances the impact of the dark flowers.

Container Growing

Feasible due to moderate size. Use a minimum 25-30 liter container with well-drained potting mix. Position where the dark flowers can be appreciated against a light background. Water regularly during the growing season. Feed in spring with balanced rose fertilizer. The June bloom is magnificent in a container setting on a patio where the fragrance can be enjoyed at close range. Feasibility rating: 7/10.

Seasonal Care & Pruning

Spring: Remove dead and weak wood. Shorten sideshoots to 2-3 buds. Feed with compost and balanced fertilizer. Summer: The dark, velvety June bloom is the year's climax. Allow flowers to fully open and display their golden stamens before deadheading. Cut flowered shoots back by one-third after bloom. A light feed after flowering is beneficial. Autumn: Some blackspot may appear but is not harmful long-term. Remove fallen leaves. Winter: Fully dormant and very hardy. No protection needed. Light shaping if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1) Planting against a dark background where the deep maroon flowers disappear from view; always provide contrast. 2) Expecting repeat bloom from this once-flowering June rose. 3) Not appreciating the stamens: the golden center is half the beauty of this rose, so avoid deadheading too early. 4) Confusing Tuscany Superb with the original Tuscany, which has fewer petals and less vigor. 5) Planting in full shade where the dark colors become indistinguishably murky and flowering is reduced.

Propagation

Division of suckers: straightforward for own-root plants in autumn or early spring. Hardwood cuttings: take 20 cm cuttings in late autumn, root in sandy medium. Good success rate (50-60%). Budding onto Rosa laxa or canina rootstock in summer is the commercial standard. Softwood cuttings under mist in summer are effective. Do not propagate from seed as offspring will not come true to type. Difficulty: easy (2/10).

Diseases & Pests

Moderate susceptibility to blackspot, typical of gallica roses, particularly in wet seasons. The semi-double flowers are less susceptible to botrytis than the extremely double forms like Charles de Mills, as they dry more quickly after rain. Powdery mildew may appear occasionally. Japanese beetles are attracted to the dark flowers. Aphids may infest buds in spring. Despite these issues, Tuscany Superb is fundamentally tough, long-lived, and requires minimal intervention. Good air circulation and sun exposure minimize problems.

Cut Flowers & Exhibition

The dark, velvety blooms are spectacular in arrangements, especially combined with pale roses, cream flowers, and silver foliage. Harvest when flowers are half-open to appreciate the stamen display. Handle carefully as the dark petals show fingerprints and bruising. Condition in cool water. Vase life is moderate, 4-5 days. The petals retain some fragrance when dried but lose their color intensity. Best used fresh for maximum visual impact. Single blooms in a simple vessel make a powerful statement.

Collector & Exhibition Notes

An essential gallica for any old rose collection. Widely available from specialty nurseries. A favorite at heritage rose exhibitions for its dramatic coloring and stamen display. The original Tuscany (Old Velvet Rose) is rarer and sought by advanced collectors. Both are maintained at Sangerhausen, Mottisfont, and other major collections. The rose is frequently photographed and appears in rose reference books as an exemplar of dark gallica beauty. Often wins best gallica awards at heritage shows.

Comparison with Similar Roses

Compared to the original 'Tuscany' (Old Velvet Rose), Tuscany Superb has slightly more petals (20-24 vs. 15-18), larger flowers, and more robust growth. Versus 'Cardinal de Richelieu,' Tuscany Superb is more crimson-maroon while Richelieu is true purple. Unlike Charles de Mills, Tuscany Superb is semi-double with visible stamens rather than packed with 100+ petals. Compared to 'Nuits de Young' (Moss), Tuscany Superb is a gallica without moss and has slightly larger flowers.

Heritage & Conservation

Both Tuscany Superb and the original Tuscany are preserved in major rose collections worldwide. Tuscany Superb is widely available from specialty nurseries and faces no conservation concerns. The original Tuscany is rarer in commerce but maintained at Sangerhausen, Mottisfont, and other reference collections. Thomas Rivers' nursery at Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, was one of the most influential in 19th-century rose history, and Tuscany Superb is among its most enduring contributions.

Cultural Significance

Tuscany Superb represents the long tradition of 'dark rose' cultivation that has fascinated gardeners for centuries. The original Tuscany may be the 'Velvet Rose' described by John Gerard in his 1597 Herball, making it one of the oldest documented garden roses. The deep, dark color has symbolic associations with passion, mystery, and the sublime. In Victorian flower language, dark red roses represented deep love and desire. The rose's Rivers nursery connection links it to one of the most important families in 19th-century English horticulture.

Frequently Asked Questions