Introduction & History

Salet is one of the finest Moss roses ever raised, a variety that perfectly embodies the romantic extravagance of mid-nineteenth-century French rose breeding. Introduced by Lacharme in 1854, it produces exquisitely formed, clear pink blooms smothered in the characteristic mossy glandular growth on sepals and stems that gives the Moss class its name and mystique. Unlike many of its Moss brethren, Salet is reliably repeat-flowering, a trait that was rare and highly prized when it was first offered to the gardening public of the Second Empire. The flowers are large, very full, and quartered in the old-fashioned style, exhaling a rich damask fragrance that fills the garden on warm summer evenings. Its moderate, upright growth makes it manageable in mixed borders and cottage gardens, and its hardiness ensures it thrives across a wide range of climates. For collectors seeking an authentic Moss rose that actually blooms more than once, Salet remains the benchmark after more than a hundred and seventy years in cultivation.

Breeding History

Salet was bred by Jean Lacharme of Lyon, France, and introduced in 1854. It is classified as a Moss rose, a sport or mutation group derived from Rosa centifolia, characterized by the mossy, balsam-scented glandular growth covering the sepals and flower stems. Its parentage is not precisely documented, but it is believed to be a seedling from Moss rose crosses, possibly involving repeat-flowering Damask elements that confer its remontant habit. Lacharme was one of the great French rosarians of the era, also responsible for important Hybrid Perpetuals. Salet quickly became one of the most popular Moss roses due to its reliable repeat bloom, which set it apart from the predominantly once-flowering Moss class. It remains one of the most widely grown and commercially available Moss roses in heritage collections worldwide.

Flower Form & Fragrance

The blooms are medium to large, reaching 7-9 cm across, very double with 60-80 petals arranged in a flat, quartered rosette form with a button eye at the centre. The colour is a clear, soft pink with slightly deeper tones at the heart, fading gracefully to a paler blush at the petal edges. The sepals and peduncles are generously covered in soft, bright green moss that is pleasantly sticky and balsam-scented to the touch. The fragrance of the open flower is a rich, true old-rose damask perfume, strong and pervasive, ranking among the most intensely fragrant of all Moss roses.

Garden Design & Uses

Salet is ideal for cottage gardens, mixed herbaceous borders, and formal rose beds where an antique aesthetic is desired. Its moderate size makes it a superb companion for perennials such as lavender, catmint, foxgloves, and hardy geraniums. Plant it where visitors can touch the mossy buds and appreciate the fragrance up close: beside a garden bench, along a path, or near a doorway. It works beautifully in a dedicated heritage rose garden alongside other Moss and Centifolia varieties, and its repeat bloom ensures colour beyond the June flush when most old roses have finished.

Growth Habit & Hardiness

Salet forms an upright, moderately vigorous bush reaching 120-150 cm tall with a spread of about 90-120 cm. The canes are well armed with prickles and covered in the typical Moss glandular bristles, particularly dense on new growth. Foliage is medium green, slightly rough-textured, with rounded leaflets typical of the Centifolia lineage. Growth is reasonably well branched, creating a bushy habit that does not require excessive support. The plant produces strong basal shoots that maintain vigour over the years. It is moderately suckering on own-root plants.

Climate & Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating winter temperatures down to approximately -30°C once established. Performs well in cold continental climates where many Hybrid Teas would struggle. The repeat bloom is most generous in regions with warm, long summers (zones 6-8). In very hot climates (zone 9), provide afternoon shade to preserve flower colour and prolong bloom life. Good tolerance of humidity, though increased airflow reduces disease pressure.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Planting & Container Growing

Plant in fertile, well-drained loam enriched with generous organic matter. pH 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Space plants 90-100 cm apart for border planting. Set the bud union 5-8 cm below soil level in cold climates to protect against winter kill. Mulch with 8-10 cm of composted bark or garden compost. Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.

Container Growing

Salet can be grown in a large container of at least 40-50 litres with good results. Use a mix of 70% loam-based compost and 30% perlite for drainage. Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid rose fertiliser from April through August. Water deeply when the top 3-4 cm of compost dries out. Repot every 2-3 years, refreshing the compost and root-pruning lightly. Containers allow close appreciation of the mossy buds and intense fragrance. Feasibility rating: 6/10.

Seasonal Care & Pruning

Spring: Prune lightly in early spring, removing dead wood and shortening main canes by one-third. Thin weak, twiggy growth from the centre. Apply a balanced granular rose feed. Summer: Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage the repeat flush. Water deeply during dry spells, directing water at the base. Apply a second feed after the first flush finishes. Autumn: Stop deadheading in September to allow hips to set, signalling the plant to harden off. Apply a potassium-rich feed in early autumn. Winter: Mound 15-20 cm of soil or compost around the base in zones 4-5 for extra protection. Remove mounding in spring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1) Pruning too hard in spring and removing the mossy older wood that gives the plant its character. 2) Planting in deep shade where bloom production drops sharply. 3) Overhead watering that promotes blackspot on the dense foliage. 4) Neglecting summer deadheading, which reduces the repeat bloom flush. 5) Expecting modern floribunda-style continuous bloom; Salet repeats well for a Moss rose but blooms in distinct flushes rather than non-stop.

Propagation

Own-root propagation from softwood cuttings taken in early summer is the preferred method. Take 15 cm semi-ripe cuttings with a heel, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into a 50:50 mix of perlite and peat under mist or a covered frame. Rooting takes 4-6 weeks with a success rate of 50-65%. Hardwood cuttings in late autumn are also effective. Budding onto Rosa canina or R. laxa rootstock is the commercial standard. Difficulty: moderate (5/10).

Diseases & Pests

Moderately susceptible to blackspot, especially in humid climates with poor air circulation. Powdery mildew can appear in late summer on crowded growth. Rust is occasionally seen. The mossy glands can harbour aphids and spider mites in warm weather; inspect the buds carefully. Japanese beetles may feed on flowers and foliage in affected regions. Apply preventive fungicide sprays in spring if blackspot has been problematic in prior years. Good garden hygiene, removing fallen leaves in autumn, significantly reduces disease carryover.

Cut Flowers & Exhibition

Salet makes an outstanding cut flower with its old-fashioned form and intense fragrance. Cut stems when the outer petals have unfurled but the centre is still cupped, early in the morning. Strip lower leaves, make a fresh diagonal cut, and place in cool water with floral preservative. The mossy buds are particularly attractive in arrangements. Vase life is 4-6 days. Pairs beautifully with lavender and cottage garden flowers.

Collector & Exhibition Notes

Salet is one of the most important Moss roses in heritage collections and is widely available from specialist nurseries. It is often exhibited in old rose classes at heritage rose shows, where its well-mossed buds and quartered blooms score well. Judges look for heavy mossing, clean colour, and symmetrical quartering. The repeat-blooming habit makes it easier to exhibit than once-flowering Moss varieties, as blooms can be had for autumn shows. A cornerstone variety for any serious old rose collection.

Comparison with Similar Roses

Compared to 'Comtesse de Murinais', a white Moss rose, Salet offers repeat bloom and a warmer pink colour but similar mossing quality. Against 'Alfred de Dalmas' (Mousseline), another remontant Moss, Salet is more vigorous with deeper pink colour and heavier mossing. Versus the Centifolia 'Fantin-Latour', which lacks mossing entirely, Salet is shorter, more prickly, and more strongly perfumed, with the added textural interest of its glandular sepals.

Heritage & Conservation

Salet has been continuously cultivated since 1854 and is well preserved in heritage rose collections worldwide, including the Europa-Rosarium Sangerhausen, the Roseraie du Val-de-Marne, and numerous private collections. It is commercially available from specialist heritage rose nurseries in Europe and North America, ensuring its survival is not at risk. It is a cornerstone variety in Moss rose conservation programmes.

Cultural Significance

Salet represents the pinnacle of the Moss rose craze that swept European gardens in the mid-nineteenth century. Moss roses were considered the most romantic and poetic of all roses in Victorian floriography, symbolising superior merit and a declaration of love. Salet's combination of heavy mossing and repeat bloom made it a favourite of the French Second Empire gardening elite. It appears in period garden catalogues across Europe and was widely exported to North American gardens during the late 1800s.

Frequently Asked Questions