
(Rosa gallica)

French rose, Gallica rose, Rosa gallica var. officinalis, Damask rose
Rosa gallica is a deciduous shrub with thorny stems and greyish-green leaves that produces fragrant pink to deep pink flowers. It is also known as the French rose and is one of the oldest garden roses.
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Rosa gallica requires full sun to bloom well. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Rosa gallica prefers moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate dry air, but it will benefit from occasional misting.
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood and shape the plant as desired.
Common pests and diseases for Rosa gallica include aphids, spider mites, black spot, and powdery mildew.
24-36 inches (61-91 cm)
The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
The plant prefers a mild climate with temperatures ranging between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate colder temperatures but may suffer in extreme heat.
The growing season for Rosa gallica is from spring to fall.
Rosa gallica is moderately difficult to grow. It requires a specific set of growing conditions to thrive and may be prone to pests and diseases.
USDA hardiness zones 3-9
Rosa gallica has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was used in ancient Rome for medicinal purposes as well as for perfumes and cosmetics.