Gallica Roses

From the War of the Roses to rose petal beds, Gallica has a rich history

Gallica roses are a case in point. While the popularity of Old Roses waxes and wanes as each new generation discovers them and then seeks something new, the best of the Old Roses manage to carry on.

Rosa gallica, also known as the French Rose or Provins Rose, grows wild from southern and central Europe to the Caucasus. Because this species readily produces sports, has a tendency towards double flowers, and may have hybridised naturally with other species, it is likely that the earliest European garden roses were forms of Rosa gallica.

Rosa Gallica Purpurea Velutina, Parva

'Rosa Mundi' (syn. 'Versicolor'), which probably dates from the late 16th century, is a very popular sport of 'Officinalis'. It has striped and sectored bicolor white and deep pink flowers. It is thought to have been named after Rosamund, a mistress of Henry II. It may date back to the 13th century or even earlier, but can't be traced beyond 1580 with certainty.

Gallicas were at the height of their popularity from the 18th to the mid-19th centuries, and it is from that period that most of today's plants date. Early nurseries kept few records. but it is likely that by the early 19th century there were well over 1000 varieties of gallica in cultivation, possibly up to 3000. Rose growers should not be surprised to find that several other recognised groups, such as the Damask Roses, have Rosa gallica in their parentage.

Their flowers, which are abundant and often heavily scented, tend toward the pink, red and purple shades. White gallicas are also available and many of the darker flowered types are flecked or otherwise marked with white or pale pink. The flowers appear only in spring and early summer, with an occasional late bloom, though vivid hips often follow the flowers, providing colour well into autumn.

Rosa Gallica Regalis

The fleeting beauty of the flowers and its historical connections cetainly are at the root of why Gallicas are regarded as the most 'romantic' of all the roses. And why not. Their beautiful, rather formal shapes give an air of elegance, the petals' textures and colours, are often reminiscent of faded purple velvet, and their strong fragrance combine to create roses which are hard to forget.

The very name Apothecary's Rose conjures, in the mind, images of alchemy, love potions and the like. Associations with the French aristocracy also enhance the gallica's romantic appeal. Marie-Antoinette had made, in 1770, a bed of 'Officinalis' petals (to lie in a bed of roses...). The Empress Josephine so adored Gallicas that her rose gardens at Malmaison were a virtual shrine to the type.

Many nurseries, especially rose specialists, stock a good range of gallicas. As you might expect, those that have survived long enough to still be in production in the 21st century tend to be sturdy, easily grown plants.

In addition to 'Rosa Mundi' and 'Officinalis' look out for 'Charles de Mills' (double, velvety crimson) 'Cardinal de Richelieu' (double, clustered dark purple red flowers), 'Hippolyte' (double, purple, many small flowers), 'Belle de Crécy', 'Tuscany Superb' (double, dark purple-red, very fragrant), 'Duchesse de Buccleugh' (double, deep pink, late), 'Duchesse de Montebello' (double, soft pink), 'Complicata' (single, bright mid-pink, fragrant), 'Nannette' (double, purple-red), 'Anaïs Ségales' (double, purple-pink, very fragrant), 'Ipsilanté' (double, mauve-pink) and 'Gloire de France' (double, purple-pink fading to pale pink edges).

Gallicas are beautiful. Why not turn a corner of your rose garden into your own private Malmaison now?

Cultivation tips

Grow Beautiful Roses!

Gallicas are very frost hardy and usually fairly small bushes with light or bright green leaves that grow lushly. They can be bought budded or may be grown on their own roots. Own-root plants (own-root roses are propagated by rooting stem cuttings of one variety of rose) will produce suckers that help to thicken up the bush and can sometimes allow them to be grown as a hedge. Removing rooted suckers is an easy way to start new plants, which is probably why Gallicas were such a suitable subject for medieval plant propagators. Summer softwood cuttings, under mist, are reliable and winter hardwood cuttings outdoors strike quite well.

Their compact habit is easily maintained by light overall trimming and thinning, which can be done in winter or, if keeping the hips is not important, as soon as flowering is finished. You can even trim and shape in summer and winter, if necessary. Very old bushes on their own roots may be cut back almost to ground level to encourage vigorous new growth. Gallicas are bristly rather than really thorny, which pruning a fairly pain-free experience.

Naturally, you need to keep an eye open for all the traditional pests and diseases of roses, though you needn't expect more trouble with Gallicas than any other roses. Just don't believe those comments you may read that suggest that they are particularly pest- or disease-resistant.

Did you know?

The Greeks and Romans cultivated Rosa gallica, though, apart for the odd sport, it is unlikely that they grew anything greatly different from the wild form. If a ceremoney calls for having rose petals strewn in your path in the manner of a Roman emperor, they should be those of Rosa gallica.

About the author:  Geoff Bryant writes garden books and is a horticultural photographer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. His stock photo library is called Country, Farm and Garden at (www.cfgphoto.com).

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