Moss Roses are sterile mutations of Centifolias and of Damasks which produce scented glands of a strange shape on the calix, the stipules and the stem of the blooms. These glands are called "moss". The outside of the buds is covered with "moss".
Moss Roses appeared in France in the late 17th century, became fashionable in the Netherlands and in England in the 18th century. In the second half of the 19th century more than 200 varieties of these roses were on sale.