Complicata Rose Rosa 'Complicata' (G)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Complicata' is characterized by its stunning flowers which are large, single, and flat in form, with a beautiful display of bright pink petals surrounding a prominent center of golden-yellow stamens. The flowers are known for their simple yet striking appearance, conveying a wild rose aesthetic. The foliage of Rosa 'Complicata' is an attractive green, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The leaves are generally pinnate with a number of leaflets which are oval-shaped with serrated edges. The plant typically displays an abundance of flowers that bloom in clusters, creating a delightful and eye-catching presentation in the garden. Rosa 'Complicata' is also appreciated for its pleasant fragrance, which adds to its overall charm and makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Gallica Rose, Complicata Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Complicata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Complicata rose is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant. As with any non-food plants, ingesting large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-specific symptoms due to the plant material's fiber content, but the Complicata rose does not contain significant levels of toxic compounds that would cause poisoning in humans.
To pets
The Complicata rose is not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause poisoning if pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, the thorns on rose plants can cause physical injury if a pet attempts to chew on the stems, which might lead to infections or other complications. Ingesting a large amount of rose petals or leaves might result in gastrointestinal upset, but significant toxicity is not expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Rosa 'Complicata', commonly known as Gallica rose, is known for being easy to cultivate, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its large, single pink flowers and a white center, it adds a charming and romantic aesthetic to any garden.
- Pollinator Friendly: The open form of its flowers is attractive to bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for promoting garden biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: The Gallica rose offers a long season of bloom, typically from late spring to early summer, providing a lengthy display of beauty.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, adding to its allure for those who prefer low-care gardening.
- Drought Tolerance: It has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners looking to conserve water.
- Cold Hardy: The Gallica rose is known for its cold hardiness, allowing it to thrive in cooler climates where other roses might struggle.
- Historical Significance: As an ancient variety, the Gallica rose has a rich history and can be a conversation starter or a point of historical interest in the garden.
- Habitat Enrichment: It can serve as shelter and habitat for small wildlife, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Landscape Versatility: Due to its naturalistic appearance, the Gallica rose can be used in various garden styles, including cottage gardens, mixed borders, and heritage gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Complicata' petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving textiles a soft, pink hue that varies in intensity with the concentration of the dye.
- The strong, pleasant fragrance of Rosa 'Complicata' makes the petals ideal for potpourri blends or sachets to naturally scent drawers and closets.
- Finely chopped Rosa 'Complicata' petals can serve as a decorative, edible addition to salads, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a subtle floral flavor.
- Rosa 'Complicata' can be used in the craft of flower pounding, a technique to transfer the flower pigments onto fabric or paper to create botanical prints.
- The colorful hips of Rosa 'Complicata', when dried, can be strung into ornamental garlands or used in wreaths for rustic home decor.
- Due to their aesthetic appeal, Rosa 'Complicata' blooms are a popular choice for floral waters or homemade rosewater to lightly scent linens or as a facial toner.
- The petals of Rosa 'Complicata' can be frozen in ice cubes to add an elegant touch to cold beverages on special occasions.
- Rosa 'Complicata' branches with thorns removed can serve as natural skewers for fruit or other small appetizers, adding an unexpected floral element to the presentation.
- Rosa 'Complicata' flowers can be candied with egg whites and sugar to create delicate decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Planting Rosa 'Complicata' in garden spaces can provide support for climbing plants, which can intertwine with the rose bush, benefiting from its structure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is often used in Feng Shui to attract love and create a positive, harmonious atmosphere. The plant's lush flowers can be positioned in the Southwest corner of a garden or inside a home to enhance relationships and romance. Their fragrance and beauty are said to invite positive chi and provide a sense of wellbeing.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As part of the rose family, Rosa 'Complicata' principally symbolizes love in its many forms. The full, open blooms suggest an openness of heart and the generosity of unconditional affection.
- Complexity: Reflected in its name, 'Complicata' represents the intricate and multifaceted aspects of our emotions and relationships, echoing the complexity of nature and human feelings.
- Beauty: Roses are universally known for their beauty, and Rosa 'Complicata', with its simple yet stunning flowers, carries the message that true beauty often lies in simplicity.
- Passion: The deep pink hue of Rosa 'Complicata' resonates with intense passion, not only in romantic love but in living life with fervor and enthusiasm.
- Timelessness: With its classic rose form, Rosa 'Complicata' suggests timelessness and enduring qualities, be it in love, traditions, or beauty. It evokes a sense of the eternal and unchanging.
WaterThe Gallica Rose requires watering that keeps the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season, it's advisable to water this plant deeply once a week with about 1.5 gallons of water, depending on weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases. During the winter months, watering can be reduced as the plant becomes dormant, but the soil should never completely dry out. Make sure to water early in the day so that any splashes on the foliage have time to dry before evening.
LightThe Gallica Rose thrives best in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting this rose is in a location that gets sun throughout the day, while possibly providing some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching. Avoid deep shade areas as this can hamper flower development and make the plant more prone to disease.
TemperatureThe Gallica Rose prefers temperatures that are typical of temperate regions and can survive in zones with winter lows down to 20°F. The ideal growing conditions for this rose range between 65°F and 75°F, though it can tolerate higher temperatures during the peak summer months. It's crucial to ensure that the rose is protected from harsh winter winds and extreme cold, which may require additional mulch around the base.
PruningPruning the Gallica Rose is essential to maintain its shape, encourage vigorous growth, and improve air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood and thin out any crowded branches. Prune back the remaining canes by about one-third to stimulate healthy new growth. The best time to do significant pruning is once the plant is dormant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilComplicata rose thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for this plant. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite for optimal drainage.
RepottingComplicata rose, being a hardy shrub, does not typically require frequent repotting. It's usually planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in a pot, it should be repotted once every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingComplicata rose is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. Outdoor ambient humidity is generally sufficient for this rose variety. It is more important to focus on proper watering and soil drainage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide space to grow.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Complicata', commonly known as the Complicata rose, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in the spring following stratification or after being naturally cold-treated over winter. As a young plant, it develops a root system and shoots which grow into canes; foliage appears as the plant starts photosynthesizing to fuel growth. By the end of its first season, the Complicata rose will have produced its characteristic single-petaled pink flowers, attracting pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into hips (fruit), containing seeds for the next generation. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter, where growth slows and it conserves energy. Each following spring, the cycle repeats, with the rose growing larger and producing more flowers as it matures over the years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Complicata', commonly known as the Complicata Rose, can be propagated by various methods, but the most popular and commonly practiced method is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy stem from the current or previous year's growth, ideally during summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 6-10 inches long and include at least a couple of nodes where leaves attach. It's crucial to make a clean cut just below a node, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, with the lower nodes buried where roots can form. A high humidity environment is essential, so covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator is beneficial. With proper care, roots should form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
