Gallica Roses

Very soon stocks of new season roses will be arriving in garden centers, if they do not already exist. Indeed, to be sure of getting the most sought after varieties of May have been necessary to put a line in some time. However, in a rush of new, who are slaves of fashion often have gems, leaving some of the best tried and true plants for those prepared to just wait and see what is available.

Gallica roses are a case in point. Although the popularity of old roses waxes and weak because each new generation discovers them and then seeks something new, the best of them wear whatever.

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

The earliest recognizable Gallica still grown is 'Officinalis', the Apothecary Rose. This is a deep pink semi-double thought to have been introduced into France from the Middle East to return to 13th century crusaders. It was even suggested that "Officinalis' was the first cultivated rose, though it is impossible dokazati.Sličan rose was used medicinally and in perfume manufacture Karla time, but can not be traced back over approximately 1200 with certainty. However, 'Officinalis' can be be seen in many medieval manuscripts, paintings, and stained glass windows, and while deep pink rather than red, has earned fame in the war of the Roses as the red Rose of Lancaster. (White Rose of York was Rosa × alba .)

'Rosa Mundi' (syn. 'versicolor), which probably dates from the late 16th century, is a very popular sport 'Officinalis'. It is striped and sectored bicolor white and deep pink flowers, and thought they were named after Rosamund, mistress of Henry II. It dates from 13th May century or even earlier, but it can not be traced with certainty through 1580.

Gallicas were at the height of their popularity from 18 the mid-19th century, and it is from this period that most of today's plants date. Early in the nursery kept few records, but it is likely that the early 19th century there were more than 1000 varieties of gallica in cultivation, may do 3000 It is not surprising that several other recognized groups, such as Damask rose, Rosa gallica is the origin.

Their flowers, which are abundant and often heavily scented, tend toward 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 ružičasta.Cvate only in spring and early summer, with perhaps the occasional late bloom, though they live hips often follow the flowers, providing color well into fall.
Fleeting beauty of flowers and historical connections is certainly why Gallicas tend to be regarded as the most "romantic" of all roses. It is not hard to see why. Their beautiful, and the formal air of elegance, their textures and colors, so often resembles a pale purple velvet, and their fragrance combine to create roses of which memories are made.

The name itself is a pharmacy Rose conjures up images of alchemy, love potions and the like. Association with the French aristocracy and improve gallica is a romantic appeal. Marie-Antoinette in 1770 has made the bed 'Officinalis' petals and the Empress Josephine so adored Gallicas her rose gardens at Malmaison were a virtual shrine type.

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

In addition to 'Rosa Mundi' and 'Officinalis' look out' Charles de Mills' (double, velvety red) '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), Ipsilanti '(double, mauve-pink) and' Gloire de France '(double, purple-pink fading to pale pink edges ).

Of course, you could wait until next year, check out the local Botanic Gardens before making a choice, but take my word for it, gallicas are beautiful. Why not start your own private Malmaison now?

Growing Tips

Gallicas are very frost and tend to be quite small bushes with light or bright green that is usually quite lush. They can be bought budded or may be grown on their roots. Own root plants will produce suckers that help to thicken up the bush and will sometimes even allow them to be grown as a hedge. Removing rooted suckers is an easy way to start a new plant, which is probably why such Gallicas suitable subject for medieval plant propagators. Summer Softwood cuttings in the mist are reliable and winter hardwood cuttings outdoors, the strike is very good.

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 at its roots can be reduced almost to ground level to encourage vigorous new growth. Gallicas are bristly rather than really thorny, which makes pruning a fairly painless experience.

Of course, you have to watch out for is open to all traditional pests and diseases of roses, though you do not have to expect more problems with Gallicas than any other rose. Just do not believe that those comments can be read to suggest that they are particularly pest-or disease-resistant.

Did you know?

The Greeks and Romans cultivated Rosa gallica, though apart from the odd sport it is unlikely that they grew anything greatly different from the wild forms. So you feel the need to rose petals strewn in the path in the way of the Roman emperor, they should be the ones Rosa gallica.