Apothecary's Rose Rosa gallica var. officinalis (G)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Apothecary's Rose or Rose of Provins is renowned for its distinctive and ornamental appearance, characterized by its showy flowers and rich history in cultivation. This rose has a robust and bushy form, often producing several stems that create a lush appearance. The leaves of the Apothecary's Rose are a rich green color, adding a vibrant backdrop to the blooms. Each leaf is divided into multiple smaller leaflets, which are oval-shaped with a subtly serrated edge, giving them a textured look. The flowers are the most striking feature of this plant, typified by their deep pink to crimson coloration, which can be so intense that they appear almost purple in certain light. Each flower is semi-double, meaning that they have more petals than a simple wild rose, but fewer than those of a fully double modern rose. The petals are velvety to the touch, and they are arranged in a classic rosette shape, overlapping in a way that creates a captivating visual display. As the flower opens, it reveals a prominent center packed with numerous golden-yellow stamens, creating a vivid contrast with the petals. Additionally, the flowers are known for their delightful fragrance, which has been described as intense and sweet with hints of a classic rose scent, making them a favorite in perfumery and traditional medicine. The blooms are held singly or in small groups on the stems, and their presence is known to attract pollinators such as bees, which are drawn to both their color and scent. After the flowering period, the Apothecary's Rose can produce attractive round or oval-shaped fruits known as hips, which are typically orange to red in color and can provide visual interest even after the blooms have faded. These hips have been historically used for their vitamin content and in various culinary applications. Overall, the Apothecary's Rose is a plant with a captivating combination of beauty, fragrance, and utility that has made it a cherished specimen in gardens for centuries.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Apothecary's Rose, French Rose, Red Rose of Lancaster, Gallica Rose.
Common names
Rosa gallica var. officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Apothecary Rose, which is commonly known as Rosa gallica var. officinalis, is not considered toxic to humans. In general, roses are not harmful, and people have used various parts of the plant, particularly the rose hips and petals, for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. However, ingesting large quantities of any plant material can cause discomfort, and rose thorns can cause physical injuries if not handled properly.
To pets
Apothecary Rose, often referred to simply as the rose, is typically considered non-toxic to pets like dogs and cats. Ingesting roses might cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous plant material, but it generally does not lead to serious poisoning. Nonetheless, caution should be taken to prevent pets from swallowing thorns, as these can cause injury or obstructions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa gallica var. officinalis, commonly known as the Apothecary's Rose, offers ornamental value to gardens with its attractive blooms and historical significance.
- Perfume Industry: The flowers of the Apothecary's Rose are traditionally used to make rose water and essential oils due to their strong and pleasant fragrance, contributing to the production of perfumes and scented products.
- Cultural Symbolism: The Apothecary's Rose holds cultural and symbolic meanings, such as love and beauty, and appears in various historical and religious contexts, adding depth to gardens and landscapes.
- Culinary Uses: The petals of the Apothecary's Rose can be used in cooking or making preserves, syrups, and teas, adding a unique flavor to culinary creations.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The bush can provide shelter and food to a range of wildlife including birds, beneficial insects, and pollinators like bees, enhancing biodiversity.
- Educational Value: As a plant with profound historical usage, it offers educational opportunities for those interested in herbalism, history, and garden design.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: It can help reduce inflammation and soothe skin conditions.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains antioxidants which may help protect cells from damage.
- Astringent: Often used for its tightening effect on the skin and pores.
- Antiseptic: May be applied to help prevent infection in minor cuts and abrasions.
- Vitamin C source: Rich in this vitamin which is important for immune function and skin health.
- Anti-bacterial: Possesses properties that may inhibit bacterial growth.
- Diuretic: Can promote the production of urine, helping in detoxification and fluid balance.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa gallica var. officinalis, commonly known as Apothecary's Rose, can be used to create natural dyes, with petals imparting a variety of soft pink to purple hues to fabrics or inks.
- The fragrant petals of the Apothecary's Rose are often used in potpourri blends, providing a long-lasting natural scent to homes and personal spaces.
- With its appealing aroma, the Apothecary's Rose is utilized in the production of rose water, which is employed in culinary dishes such as desserts and beverages for a floral hint.
- The dried petals can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding a decorative and fragrant touch to the finished product.
- Apothecary's Rose petals are sometimes added to jams, jellies, and syrups, contributing color and flavor to various sweet spreads.
- In aromatherapy, the scent of the Apothecary's Rose is used to help promote relaxation and to reduce stress when infused into oils or candles.
- Gardeners use the dried petals or whole blooms of the Apothecary's Rose as a natural mulch, which helps retain soil moisture and gradually adds nutrients as it decomposes.
- The essential oils derived from the Apothecary's Rose can be used in perfumery, capturing the plant's essence in a concentrated form for fragrances.
- The bright and colorfast petals make them a popular choice for floral arrangements and bridal bouquets, where they add a traditional and romantic touch.
- Due to its historical significance, the Apothecary's Rose can be planted as part of heritage or period gardens, contributing to the authenticity and educational aspects of such designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Apothecary's Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Apothecary's Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As the ancient ancestor of many modern roses, Rosa gallica var. officinalis, commonly known as the Apothecary's Rose, symbolizes love. Roses have long been associated with affection and romantic feelings, likely due to their fragrant blossoms and historically significant roles in art and culture.
- Healing: Given its name "Apothecary's Rose," this plant is linked to healing due to its historical use in medicine. Herbalists have used different parts of the rose for various remedies, and its essence was believed to possess healing properties.
- Beauty: The attractiveness of the rose, with its velvety petals and pleasing scent, has made it a symbol of beauty across cultures and time periods. Its natural elegance lends itself to this interpretation.
- Secrecy: Roses were historically hung from the ceilings of gathering rooms in the Middle Ages, signaling that anything spoken under them—sub rosa (under the rose)—was to remain confidential. This tradition establishes a symbolic link between roses and secrecy or confidentiality.
- Balance: The rose, with its harmonious combination of thorny stem and captivating blossom, symbolizes balance in life, acknowledging both the beauty and the challenges.
WaterThe Apothecary's Rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth, typically receiving about 1 inch of water per week either from rainfall or irrigation. During hot, dry periods, watering may increase to every other day to maintain soil moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease. It is best to water in the morning to allow any water that gets on the leaves to evaporate throughout the day. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation can provide gradual watering of approximately 5 gallons per plant per week, ensuring deep water penetration and efficient usage.
LightThe Apothecary's Rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is essential to position the plant in a spot where it receives unobstructed morning light and some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Avoid overly shady spots, as too little light can lead to poor blooming and an increased risk of disease.
TemperatureThe Apothecary's Rose is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in climates where the temperature ranges from 60°F to 70°F. While the plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, extreme cold can damage or kill some of the canes. The optimal temperature during the growing season is between 65°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning the Apothecary's Rose is vital for maintaining plant health, encouraging blooms, and shaping the bush. Removal of dead or diseased wood, thinning of crowded areas, and cutting back spent flowers to the first set of five leaflets will promote air circulation and new growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, typically cutting back canes by about one-third of their height.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApothecary's Rose (Rosa gallica var. officinalis) thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix for this plant should contain one-third topsoil, one-third garden compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third sharp sand or grit to ensure good drainage. Adding bone meal to the mix can provide a slow-release source of phosphorus, which is beneficial for healthy root and flower development.
RepottingApothecary's Rose generally does not need to be repotted frequently, as it is often grown outdoors. When grown in containers, repotting may be required every 2 to 3 years, ideally in early spring before new growth begins. Choose a slightly larger pot each time to allow for root expansion.
Humidity & MistingApothecary's Rose prefers an outdoor environment, but if grown indoors, maintaining average room humidity will suffice. It does not require high humidity levels. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help prevent fungal diseases, which roses can be prone to in excessively humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, regular water, and annual pruning.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleRosa gallica var. officinalis, commonly known as the Apothecary's Rose, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring, provided they have been exposed to cold temperatures which break their dormancy. The seedlings develop into young plants with a strong root system and foliage. By its third year, the Apothecary's Rose reaches maturity and begins to produce its characteristic fragrant pink flowers, usually blooming once in late spring or early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the plant produces hips (fruit) containing seeds that can be dispersed to propagate the next generation. Each year, the plant goes through a period of dormancy in winter, during which above-ground growth ceases and resiliency to cold increases. This cycle of flowering and dormancy continues annually as long as the plant's living conditions are favorable for growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Rosa gallica var. officinalis, commonly known as the Apothecary's Rose, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings, which is a popular and successful method. This process involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer, when the stems are still tender. Cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and contain several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-drained growing medium, like a mix of half peat and half perlite, ensuring that a few nodes where the leaves were removed are beneath the soil surface. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in indirect light until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted in their permanent locations.
