Rosa gallica officinalis – Apothecary's Rose (Species)

Rosa gallica officinalis (Species / Old Garden Rose)

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Rosa

Species

gallica officinalis

Cultivar

Apothecary's Rose

Additional Names

Officinalis, Old Red Damask, Red Provence, Red Rose of Lancaster

Introduced

pre-1160

Synonyms

Rosa gallica duplex, Rosa gallica maxima, Rosa gallica plena

One of the oldest roses in cultivation, dating to before 1160, the Apothecary's Rose (Rosa gallica officinalis) was grown in medieval monastery gardens for its medicinal properties. It bears semi-double, deep pink to light red flowers with a rich, old rose fragrance. The plant is a suckering shrub 3–4 feet tall, with coarse, grey-green foliage. It blooms once in late spring/early summer. Its historic significance, medicinal heritage, and tough constitution have kept it in gardens for nearly a millennium. A living link to the roses of antiquity.