ShrubsRosa gallica
Gallica Rose
The Gallica Rose is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, grown since the Middle Ages. Its semi-double, vivid red-pink flowers appear in June and July and carry an intense fragrance. Decorative rose hips develop after flowering.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 90–120 cm
- Spread
- 60–90 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–9
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- red, pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year; after that the plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Feed with organic rose fertilizer in spring. Remove fallen leaves to prevent black spot disease.
Pruning tips
Prune right after flowering in July. Remove dead wood and thin, crossing branches. Since Gallica roses bloom on old wood, avoid cutting the shrub back too hard.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.