Rosa Gallica Officinalis

This is a decorative shrub with an upright growth and large-leaf dark green/grey bushy foliage. It has pale crimson flowers which are semi-double, very large and strongly fragranced. It has a good tolerance of poor soil and is suitable for hedges and cultivation in pots. It flowers in June and its hips are ornamental.

It is also known as the “Pharmacist's rose” because of its use in medieval medicines and perfumes; indeed, its flowers hold their fragrance well. It is one of the oldest varieties of rose and was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Origin: Europe, Southwestern Asia.

Other names: Red Rose of Lancaster, Rose of Provins, Double French Rose.