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Anyone addicted to growing, but allergic to the scent of roses?

14 years ago

Dave's Garden website had this wonderful article by Kathleen M. Tenpas.

"I have a childrenÂs story that begins: "Grandma doesnÂt like roses, they have thorns that prick her, a sweet smell that makes her sneeze, and their blossoms often harbor bees, maybe just one, scarlet red, out of the way by the back yard door..." And itÂs all true, sort of: I am allergic to the scent of roses and I have trouble with what are known around here as Ârose bitesÂ..."

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2462/

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Comments (5)

ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
14 years ago
I have indeed developed an allergy to certain rose scents. Some roses that smell wonderful that my body doesn't like are Ebb Tide, Therese Bugnet, Autumn Damask and Damask of Glendora. It's the strong "old rose" scents that seem to be especially bad. Others like the fragrant Duchesse de Brabant or Burgundy Iceberg don't bother me at all. Who can figure these things out? If I love a rose that makes my nose run I will still grow it but I just don't stick my face in the blooms.

Ingrid
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
14 years ago
I have indeed developed an allergy to certain rose scents. Some roses that smell wonderful that my body doesn't like are Ebb Tide, Therese Bugnet, Autumn Damask and Damask of Glendora. It's the strong "old rose" scents that seem to be especially bad. Others like the fragrant Duchesse de Brabant or Burgundy Iceberg don't bother me at all. Who can figure these things out? If I love a rose that makes my nose run I will still grow it but I just don't stick my face in the blooms.

Ingrid
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canadian_rose
14 years ago
I didn't think anyone would ever be allergic to roses. Learn something new every day! Hope it doesn't get worse for you!

Carol
schifferle
Original Author
14 years ago
Every place we've lived, DH has found something to be allergic to. Fortunately, roses don't seem to be one of the things that bother him. I do find it interesting to hear of those who continue to grow roses in spite of allergies because they love them so much. A similar situation is cat owners who are allergic to their cats, but would rather get allergy shots, take medicine, etc. rather than give them up.
sammy zone 7 Tulsa
14 years ago
I cannot have any flowers inside - except for a special event. I think I am allergic to the mold. That is why I really like the older larger roses rather than the large blossoms. If I never cut them, the fuller bush with many roses like the teas and chinas are more pleasing to me.
Sammy

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