French Rose

(Rosa gallica)

French Rose (Rosa gallica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rosa gallica, commonly known as French Rose, is a deciduous subshrub native to a variety of habitats including gravel and sandy soils, dry places, around springs, and on slopes in Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Iraq. This species typically forms large patches and is recognized for its slender, straight prickles that vary in size and frequency. Rosa gallica reaches a typical height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with a similar spread. The plant boasts fragrant, deep pink flowers that are clustered one to four together on glandular pedicels, each with five or more petals and occasionally producing double corollas. Flowering occurs from June to July, and the flowers are highly appreciated for their beauty and scent. The hips are globose to ovoid, measuring 10–13 mm in diameter, and mature to an orange to brownish color.

The French Rose is valued for its historical significance and ornamental qualities, including its fragrant, showy flowers and attractive hips that provide interest into the fall and winter. It is commonly used in herbal medicine and perfumery, as well as in garden borders, cottage gardens, and as a specimen plant. Rosa gallica is easy to cultivate, requiring well-drained soil and thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy down to −25 °C and can tolerate a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is not a heavy feeder, occasional fertilization can promote healthier blooms. Gardeners should be aware that Rosa gallica can be susceptible to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and preventive care can help maintain plant health.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Gravel and sandy soils, dry places, around springs, and on slopes in Southern and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Iraq

Other Names

Common Names: Gallic Rose, Rose Of Provins, Hungarian Rose, Apothecary Rose, Officinal Rose, Red Rose, Red-Rose-Of-Lancaster, Essig-Rose, Rosier De France, Rosier De Provins

Scientific Names: , Rosa gallica, Rosa rubra, Rosa austriaca, Rosa pumila, Rosa ruralis, Rosa arvina, Rosa livescens, Rosa pygmaea, Rosa sylvatica

GBIF Accepted Name: Rosa gallica L.