Gallicas. An Historic Family.

It is largely believed that the crusaders from the 12th and 13th centuries, carried roses from the East to Europe and many of them were probably Gallicas; for it is known that the Persians had a Gallica as a religious emblem at least 1200 years before Christ.

Rosa gallica officinallis was one of the roses used by Apothecaries in the middle ages, in fact it is often listed even now as ‘The Apothecary’s Rose’. It is also the Red Rose of Lancaster adopted by Henry 1V as the symbol of his house.

These roses were later to become the passion of the Empress Josephine who is said to have collected over 150 varieties.

Such is the greatness of these beautiful roses that every garden should have one. They encompass shades of blush pink through to the deepest maroons and purples and most of them have outstanding perfumes. On the whole they are tidy plants which carry only a few thorns. The flowers are anything from single to large and fully double. They flower in great abundance in mid summer and because most are tolerant of poor soil they are at home almost anywhere.