From 1892 on Rops suffered from a condition of the eyes. During the final ten years of his life, he continued to work in a peaceful atmosphere at the Demi-Lune, his property in Essonnes near Paris He gave full vent to his passion for botany and created new varieties of roses.

He never ceased to maintain an enthralling correspondence with his friends. He was an excellent letter writer and indeed several thousands of his letters have been preserved.