When Does Rosa Gallica Bloom?

Gallica Roses

• Gallica roses are cultivated forms of the French rose, Rosa gallica. R. g. officinalis is the “Apothecary’s Rose,” considered to be the red rose of England’s famous War of the Roses. R. g. versicolor “Rosa Mundi” is a pink rose with bold red striping. Gallica roses bloom in various shades of pink, maroon, red and purple. Bold coloration including spotting and striping gave the nickname “Mad Gallicas” to the class. Cold-tolerant Gallicas are among the oldest of purposely bred roses. Gallicas grown on their own roots sucker freely, forming dense clumps of bushes 3 to 4 feet tall with prickled upright or arching canes. Grafted plants remain contained. Flushes last from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the variety.

Belle de Crécy

• Belle de Crécy is a favorite among collectors. It was cultivated at Madame de Pompadour's home at Crécy, France. This antique Gallica is possibly a China-Gallica hybrid. It grows to 4 feet tall and wide with arching canes. The color begins as a medium pink upon first opening. As the flowers age, the color becomes violet with blue-gray edging. The 3-inch roses are borne in clusters of at least three and up to more than seven, opening successively. The fragrance is strong old rose. Belle de Crécy blooms for three to four weeks beginning in June.

Complicata

• Complicata is a Gallica rose prized for its beauty and strong fragrance. It will grow into a shrub 5 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, or as tall as 15 feet trained as a climber. The bright pink, single flowers open to more than 5 inches across, displaying sunny yellow centers. Complicata suckers freely, requiring space to spread if grown on its own roots. The nearly thornless Complicata is suitable for growing over an arbor gate or in another high-traffic area. The robust plant will tolerate some shade. It blooms over a 4 to 6-week period beginning in early summer.

Sissinghurst Castle

• When Vita Sackville-West cleared her garden at Sissinghurst Castle in the early 1930s, she found this crimson flowering Gallica that eventually came to bear the name of her famous home and garden. "Sissinghurst Castle" was introduced to market in 1947. The semi-double roses have ruffled petals that open to reveal yellow centers. This thorny, summer-flowering rosebush grows 5 feet tall and wide, with blossoms of a mild scent. Its interesting history and charming flowers ensure its inclusion in antique rose collections.