Gallica Rose Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' (G)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' is a classic and enchanting rose variety known for its exquisite beauty. This rose bears sumptuous and opulent flowers that have a full and rounded appearance. Each bloom presents a lavish, multi-petaled look, nuances of deep pink at the heart that transitions into softer shades with hints of lilac or silvery-pink along the petal edges, imbuing it with a romantic and old-world charm. As the flowers mature, the petals open out to reveal a captivating cup-shaped structure that invites viewers and pollinators alike to gaze into its depths. The petals are arranged in a dense, swirling pattern, giving the flowers a luxurious and rich texture that seems to ruffle gently in the passing breeze. The overall effect is one of splendor and sophistication, reminiscent of roses found in lush, traditional English gardens. The foliage that accompanies these stunning flowers is also noteworthy for its contribution to the plant's visual appeal. Typically it features lush, green leaves that provide a striking contrast against the delicate hues of the petals. This backdrop of green accentuates the roses, making their colors pop and adding to the plant's overall lushness. The rose bush itself forms a pleasing shape, with stems that sport an abundance of thorns as is typical for rose varieties. Throughout its blooming season, 'Belle de Crécy' can be a spotlight in the garden, drawing the eye with its bountiful and aromatic flowers that are often described as fragrant, exuding a traditional rose scent that can perfume the air and enhance the sensory experience of any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Belle De Crécy, Gallica Rose, French Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Belle de Crécy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Belle de Crécy rose is generally not toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not advisable to ingest parts of this plant as it is not intended for consumption, and doing so may cause discomfort in the stomach or intestines due to the fibrous nature of plant material. There are no common toxic effects associated with eating roses, but care should be taken as the thorns can cause physical injury.
To pets
The Belle de Crécy rose is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this rose, similar to humans, could lead to minor gastrointestinal upset due to its non-digestible nature. There are no widely recognized toxic effects to pets from eating roses. Nonetheless, the physical hazard of thorns should not be overlooked, as they can cause injury to a pet's mouth or paws.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' offers beautiful, deeply cupped, pink blooms that add classic charm and romantic appeal to gardens.
- Fragrance: The flowers of this rose emit a sweet and captivating fragrance which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden space.
- Pollinator Attraction: The open structure of the blooms allows for easy access to nectar and pollen, attracting bees and beneficial insects.
- Habitat Support: The shrub can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small wildlife within a garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming: This variety often has a generous flowering period, offering visual interest for an extended time throughout its blooming season.
- Historical Interest: As an older rose variety, Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' carries historical significance and can be used in heritage or period-specific gardens.
- Cultural Symbolism: Roses are rich in cultural symbolism associated with love, beauty, and emotion, which can resonate in a thematic garden design.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' can be used to garnish salads and desserts, adding a splash of color with their soft pink hues.
- Perfume Making: The rose's fragrant petals can be used in the process of making natural perfumes and scented oils.
- Bath Additives: Dried petals can be added to bath salts or bombs for a fragrant and relaxing soak.
- Bookmarks: Dried petals can be pressed and used to create unique and fragrant bookmarks for book enthusiasts.
- Natural Dye: Petals of the rose can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Floral Water: Rosa 'Belle de Crécy' petals can be distilled to make floral waters that can be used as linen sprays or face mists.
- Candle Making: The scent of the roses can be infused into candles to create a pleasant, aromatic ambiance in any room.
- Creative Art: Petals can be included in paper-making or used in mixed media art projects for texture and color.
- Edible Flower Ice Cubes: Freeze petals in ice cubes to create visually appealing and edible elements for specialty drinks.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried petals can be mixed with other dried flowers and spices to create homemade potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The Rose is universally symbolic of love and passion. The 'Belle de Crécy' as a variety of rose carries this meaning, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions.
- Beauty: Named 'Belle de Crécy', which means "Beauty of Crécy," this rose emphasizes the theme of beauty, both in its name and its stunning appearance.
- Mystery: With its unique and changing hues, the 'Belle de Crécy' often represents mystery and the unfolding of secrets as the blooms develop.
- Honor: Roses are traditionally associated with honor and reverence, and the 'Belle de Crécy' shares this symbolism, making it suitable for showing respect.
- Femininity: The delicate form and color of this rose variety align with traditional symbols of grace and femininity.
- Devotion: Long-lasting and resilient as a garden plant, the 'Belle de Crécy' exemplifies devotion and enduring commitment.
WaterThe Gallica rose, commonly referred to as 'Belle de Crécy', requires thorough watering to establish deep root systems, which promotes overall health and drought resistance. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week. In cooler weather or rainy periods, you can reduce watering accordingly. It's vital to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant.
Light'Belle de Crécy', the Gallica rose, thrives in full sunlight to perform best. Make sure to plant it in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. The ideal spot for this rose is one where morning sunlight quickly dries the dew on the leaves, which can help prevent disease.
TemperatureGallica roses like 'Belle de Crécy' prefer moderate temperatures but are quite hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions. They can withstand winters down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and will grow well in temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for these roses is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum blooming and growth.
Pruning'Belle de Crécy', like other Gallica roses, should be pruned to shape the plant, encourage airflow, and remove dead or diseased wood. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing about one-third of the oldest canes to encourage rejuvenation. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote further flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Rose 'Belle de Crécy' is well-draining loam enriched with organic matter like compost or rotted manure. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Ensure that the soil is also able to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged to support healthy growth.
RepottingRose 'Belle de Crécy' is usually grown outdoors and isn't typically repotted as it is planted directly in the garden. If grown in containers, repotting can be done every 2-3 years to replenish soil nutrients and provide space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingRose 'Belle de Crécy' prefers outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. It does not have specific humidity requirements, but it should be planted in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good airflow, water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, water deeply, prune annually.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rosa 'Belle de Crécy', also known as Gallica Rose, begins its life as a dormant bare-root plant or as a potted specimen. Once planted in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, it breaks dormancy in spring, producing shoots and leaves. Following vegetative growth, it develops fragrant pink to purple flowers by late spring to early summer, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of hips (seed pods) by late summer. After flowering, it enters a period of growth and maturation where the hips ripen, containing seeds that can be dispersed for propagation. As autumn approaches, the plant prepares for dormancy by slowing growth and possibly shedding leaves if in a colder climate. Finally, it overwinters in a dormant state, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Rosa 'Belle de Crécy', commonly known as the Gallica Rose, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings, a popular method for many rose varieties. The best time to take cuttings is late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still tender. To do this, a healthy, non-flowering shoot is selected and a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 cm) is taken. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. A clear plastic bag or a bottle can be placed over the cutting to create a mini greenhouse effect, maintaining high humidity. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
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