Quick facts
| Arabic name | الورد الطائفي |
|---|---|
| English name | Taif Rose |
| Scientific name | Rosa × damascena |
| Family | Rose family (Rosaceae) |
| Plant type | Thorny shrub |
| Height | Usually 1 to 2 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
December to February
March to April
Roses are picked early in the morning for about 40 to 45 daysTimes are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Thorny stems, toothed compound leaves, and pink flowers with many petals and a strong smell. It flowers once a year in spring.
Where it grows
Grown in the Taif highlands in Makkah Region, like Al-Hada and Al-Shafa. Yearly events celebrate the rose season.
Soil
Rich loamy soil with good drainage and organic matter.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering without standing water.
Climate and light
Mild mountain climate and full sun. Needs a fairly cool winter.
Propagation
From woody cuttings and suckers.
Benefits and uses
- Rose water and rose oil
- Perfumes and beauty products
- An important crop and tourism in Taif
Drawbacks
- Flowers only once a year
- Thorny stems
- Needs pruning and pest control, such as for aphids
Important notes
Flowers are picked early in the morning to keep their oil.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources: