Rosa gallica aka French Rose

Taxonomy

Rosa gallica, also known as the Gallic rose, French rose, or rose of Provins, is a small, bushy, and compact rose species. Native to southern and central Europe, extending eastwards to Turkey and the Caucasus, it was among the first roses to be cultivated in central Europe. This deciduous shrub forms large patches and has slender, straight prickles of varying sizes. Its pinnately-compound leaves consist of three to seven bluish-green leaflets. The highly fragrant flowers are clustered in groups of one to four, with five or more petals that can sometimes result in double corollas. The blooms are rose-red, striped with white, although some are entirely rose-red, reaching a diameter of 7cm. These flowers appear once-only in early summer, followed by small orange-red oval fruits known as hips. Cultivated by the Greeks and Romans and commonly found in medieval gardens, Rosa gallica had significant importance in the 19th century and continues to contribute to the ancestry of many modern European rose cultivars.

Common names

French Rose, Hungarian Rose, Red Rose Of Lancaster, Red Rose

How to care for French Rose

Difficulty

French Rose is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

French Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

French Rose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

French Rose requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your French Rose will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The French Rose is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The French Rose should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

French Rose’s native range is Asia, Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia