Gallica Rose Rosa 'Charles de Mills' (G)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Charles de Mills' is renowned for its sumptuous blooms that exude old-world charm. The flowers are the focal point of this plant, showcasing an intricate arrangement of petals that are densely packed into a classic rosette form. Each petal is richly colored in a deep, velvety crimson with hints of purple that can make the rose appear almost wine-colored in certain lights. As the plant flourishes throughout its blooming season, the flowers often exhibit a faded edge, lending a vintage appearance to the blossoms. The petals possess a certain softness to the touch, while still maintaining an opulence befitting a sophisticated garden specimen. The roses are not only a visual delight but also produce an enchanting fragrance that is both sweet and somewhat fruity, which lures people and pollinators alike to linger and enjoy the intense, pleasant aroma. The foliage provides a lush background for the striking flowers. The leaves are typically a vibrant green, offering a fresh contrast to the deep hues of the blooms. They have a classic, slightly glossy appearance, with an oval shape that tapers to a pointed tip. The foliage, neatly arranged along the stems, complements the overall romantic aesthetic of this rose variety. In addition to its beautiful flowers and leaves, the plant may showcase thorns along its stems, which is common among rose varieties. These thorns help to protect the plant and add a practical element to the plant's otherwise ornamental allure. The entire appearance of 'Charles de Mills' rose is a testament to the beauty that has been celebrated in gardens for centuries, a timeless addition that continues to capture the hearts of rose enthusiasts around the world.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Charles de Mills Rose, Gallica Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Charles de Mills'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as rose is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While ingesting large quantities of any plant material may cause digestive discomfort, roses do not contain poisonous substances that would lead to severe poisoning in humans. Mild symptoms such as stomach upset might occur if roses or their leaves are consumed in large amounts, but serious consequences from ingestion are unlikely.
To pets
Similar to their effect on humans, roses are generally non-toxic to pets. Both cats and dogs may experience mild digestive upset if they consume parts of a rose plant, particularly in large quantities, but roses do not contain substances that are known to cause severe poisoning in pets. The most common issue with pets, particularly dogs who might chew on anything, is the mechanical damage that the thorns can cause to the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Zones 4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Rosa 'Charles de Mills' provides classic garden beauty with its abundant, densely petaled blooms that add visual interest to any garden space.
- Historic Variety - This antique rose variety adds a sense of history and continuity to gardens, being cherished for hundreds of years.
- Fragrance - It offers a delightful fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of gardeners and visitors alike.
- Pollinator Friendly - The rose serves as an attractant to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
- Hardy Plant - It is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in a range of garden conditions with proper care.
- Landscape Versatility - The rose can be used in various landscape scenarios, including borders, hedges, or as stand-alone specimens, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Cultural Significance - The rose often holds cultural and sentimental significance, which can be meaningful to garden enthusiasts and rose collectors.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose petals from Rosa 'Charles de Mills' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering various shades of pink depending on the mordant used.
- Petal confetti is a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings, with Rosa 'Charles de Mills' offering a vibrant color and pleasant scent.
- Rosewater, distilled from the petals, can be used for flavoring food and drinks, imparting a delicate floral note to dishes.
- Rose petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious, fragrant soak, or used to make homemade bath bombs or salts.
- Rose hip jam can be made from the fruit of Rosa 'Charles de Mills', providing a rich source of Vitamin C and a unique, tangy flavor.
- Rose oil, extracted from the petals, is used in aromatherapy for its purported calming effects and can be added to homemade candles or soaps.
- Pressed rose petals from this plant can be used in crafting, for example, to create bookmarks, greeting cards, or to enhance the visual appeal of paper products.
- The strong, upright canes of the plant can be repurposed in the garden as natural supports for other climbers or as part of rustic garden art installations.
- Rose petals can be used to make potpourri, combining them with other dried flowers and spices to create a long-lasting, fragrant mix for the home.
- Fallen petals can be collected and used as a natural mulch in garden beds, providing soil nutrients as they decompose and helping to retain soil moisture.
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: As a rose, Charles de Mills symbolizes love and romanticism. The full, lush blooms are often likened to the deep and passionate emotions associated with love.
- Beauty: Roses are universally associated with beauty, and the Charles de Mills rose, with its unique and richly colored petals, is no exception, embodying an aesthetic that is appreciated in gardens and bouquets alike.
- Mystery: The deep, sometimes nearly purple hue of Charles de Mills can symbolize mystery or the unknown, reflecting the complex layering of its petals.
- Honor: Giving a rose like Charles de Mills can be a sign of respect or homage, making it a symbol of honor toward someone's achievements or character.
- Devotion: The hardiness of roses and their perennial nature make them a symbol of lasting devotion and commitment.
- Intrigue: The Charles de Mills' unique coloration and form can represent intrigue, suggesting that there is more than meets the eye, much like its history and lineage.
WaterGallica roses like Rosa 'Charles de Mills' require consistent moisture to thrive, especially during their growing and blooming seasons. It is best to water these roses deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant. In hot and dry conditions, you may need to increase watering frequency to twice a week. Ensure the water is directed at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. During the winter months or in rainy climates, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Gallica rose, commonly known as Rosa 'Charles de Mills', prefers a location with full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Planting in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade could be beneficial in very hot climates to prevent scorching. However, adequate sunlight is critical for the best blooming performance and overall health of the rose.
TemperatureThe Gallica rose 'Charles de Mills' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, thriving in USDA zones 4 through 8. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit but does best in temperatures that don’t frequently drop below this. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPruning Rosa 'Charles de Mills' is important to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous growth and better air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting the plant back by about one-third to one-half. This timing allows you to remove any winter damage and shape the plant before it starts its active growth. Also, remove any weak, spindly canes, and aim to create an open vase shape to promote healthy growth and flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGallica Rose 'Charles de Mills' thrives best in well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An optimal soil mix can be created using equal parts garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure to ensure rich fertility and good drainage.
RepottingGallica Rose 'Charles de Mills' typically does not need to be repotted as it is commonly grown outdoors. If grown in a large container, repotting every 2 to 3 years may be necessary to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingGallica Rose 'Charles de Mills' prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated. It does not require specific humidity levels but thrives in average garden conditions without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Roses need sunlight and cannot grow indoors effectively.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Rosa 'Charles de Mills', commonly known as 'Charles de Mills' rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare root plant or potted young plant when it is planted in the ground during early spring or autumn. It enters a growth stage, where it develops a strong root system and foliage; this is followed by the development of distinctive deep pink to crimson flowers that generally bloom in late spring to early summer. After flowering, if not deadheaded, it may produce hip (fruit) which contain seeds, but as a cultivated variety, it is often propagated vegetatively by cuttings or grafting. In autumn, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy; the leaves may change color and drop as the plant conserves energy. The rose bush remains dormant during the winter, with the cycle beginning anew with the warm temperatures and longer days of the next growing season. Pruning is typically done during the dormant period to shape the plant and encourage robust new growth for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Rosa 'Charles de Mills', commonly known as Gallica Rose, is often propagated by hardwood cuttings. This is a popular and simple method that involves taking a cutting from a mature stem during the plant's dormant season, which is typically late fall or winter. The cutting should be about six to eight inches long (15 to 20 centimeters) and include several nodes, from which new shoots and roots will emerge. Leaves are removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the bottom cut is made just below a node. The cutting is then placed in moist soil with the bottom two-thirds of the cutting buried, allowing the top third with the remaining leaves to be exposed to air. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to months, after which the young rose plant can be transplanted to its final location. This method is particularly effective as it maintains the true-to-type characteristics of the Gallica Rose.
