Gallica Roses
Probably originating in Asia Minor, Gallicas seem
to have been used as religious symbols as early as the twelfth century
BCE and were widely distributed by the time of the
Roman Empire. Adaptable and hardy, Gallicas are easy to raise from seed
and valued for their many uses including conserves, syrups, ointments and
perfumes. Their colors are their glory--pink, crimson, red, violet, mauve,
purple, and greyed tones though no whites. Some are striped, and many change
color as the blossoms age or even with a weather change. They put on a
show for several weeks in late spring or early summer.
The Gallica characteristics, present in the oldest
and many of the newer varieties, are stems that are virtually thornless;
dark green leaves that are rough and usually small, and may be pointing
upward; round buds; and flowers poised aloft, where they make a good garden
show. Most Gallicas are very easy to please. They will thrive in rich or
poor soil; and many will bloom well in partial shade. They are very hardy
and generally compact, capable of forming a good small hedge. They also
are prone to suckering--a blessing is some gardens and a nuisance in others.
They produce well without pruning, though removal of flowering wood in
July, after flowering, will result in better new growth.
Apothecary's Rose (Rosa gallica officinalis)
Simple and bright, this charming rose has light
crimson, semi-double blooms that open wide to show golden stamens, their
cheery color lighting up the garden for some weeks late in the spring rose
season. Fragrance is intense, and 'Officinalis' has been used for centuries
for its perfume and its medicinal qualities; it is still used for potpourri.
Perhaps the oldest rose in cultivation in Europe, it is thought to have
been the Red Rose of Lancaster during the War of the Roses. This 3', well-branched
shrub will sucker strongly when on its own roots. (<12th century)
Belle de Crecy
One of the most beautiful and fragrant of the
Gallicas, 'Belle' has double blooms that open cerise-pink with violet shades,
then mature to an array of mauve, silver and purple. A green button eye
sometimes shows. Flowers may be so heavy that canes need support. Few thorns
and dense growth of grey-green foliage that complements the flowers complete
the picture. For consistent blooming, this shrub needs a bit more care
than other Gallicas. 4' (1829)
Camaieux
A great striped rose, 'Camaieux' puts on a long
show of pale blush pink and dark rose, paling to white with violet-purple
and mauve stripes. The blossoms make good cut flowers and have sweet perfume
while the bush is a compact 3'. For a lovely display, plant between 'Mme. Hardy'
and 'Belle de Crecy'. (1830)
Cardinal de Richelieu
An outstanding rose--magnificent, velvety purple
that matures lilac; petals incurving at the center, reflexing at the edge;
fragrance increasing as the petals dry. The blooms form a great contrast
with lighter colors, in the garden or in the vase. The bush is nicely formed
with dark foliage. It responds to good care. 4' (1840)
Charles de Mills
Always a good show from this rose, it has beautiful,
double and quartered blooms of crimson that age to maroon and lilac. Opened
flowers are cupped and seem to have been sheared flat. They expand to a
recurved ball, showing a green cavity in the center. The shrub has an arching
form, to 5', and a long blooming period. It is good planted near strong
pinks. (early 1800's)
Empress Josephine (The Frankfort Rose)
Another lovely Gallica, this one a hybrid named
to honor Josephine, had been described in the late 16th and early 17th
centuries. It has a delicate beauty with frilled petals of silvery pink,
flushed with lilac and purple, and rose veinings. One of its forms
has a delightful perfume. Legend names it Josephine's favorite. The
plant is thornless, open yet dense, and grows to 4' and produces hips.
Hippolyte
This beautiful flower was named in the early
1800's, but its origins are unknown. Its color is a gorgeous wine red,
with violet shadings; its form is fully double, sometimes quartered. It
opens globular then reflexes to show a button eye. Plant form is arching
and somewhat lax, and it is nearly thornless. Flower color will be deeper
in semi-shade. 5'
Jenny Duval (Président de Sèze)
A morning's feast, and noon and afternoon, too!
Colors seem to change through the day on this spectacular rose. Rose-pink,
violet, lavender, silvery mauve, light crimson--all adorn loosely packed,
wavy petals with strong perfume. The bush is upright and 3', with bright
green foliage. (<1836)
La Belle Sultane
Velvety purple-crimson, fragrant, semi-double
flowers opening flat display a crown of golden stamens. Blooms age to brownish
violet on a tall shrub with long canes. Legend says this beautiful flower
was named for a childhood friend of Josephine's on Martinique who became
the favorite of a Sultan. 6'-7' (late 1700's)
Rosa Mundi (R. gallica versicolor)
Like party favors of tissue paper, semi-double
flowers of blush pink striped with crimson adorn this low and sprawling
bush. A sport of R. gallica officianalis, 'Rosa Mundi' was named,
so the story goes, for Fair Rosamond, the mistress of Henry II. It does
seem to have been known by botanical writers before 1580. Its light fragrance
increases on drying, so petals are fine for potpourri. 3'
Tuscany, Tuscany Superb
Also called the 'Old Velvet Rose', 'Tuscany'
is a deep maroon-crimson that is even darker grown in full sun. The loosely
double blossoms show golden stamens and contrast nicely with dark green
foliage. They last well even in very hot weather. 'Tuscany Superb', known
since 1837, is larger in every way--foliage, flowers and height; but stamens
are not as prominent, and many prefer the smaller version. 3', 4' (<1596)
Copyright © 2000 Orion Farm
