Old Damask Rose Bushes

• Variety: Gallica Officinalis (Apothecary's Rose)
• Type: Shrub Rose (Gallica)
• Colour: Semi-double, rich deep pink to crimson with golden stamens
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, classic old rose
• Height: 120cm (4ft)
• Flowering: One flush in late June and July
• Aspect: Full sun to part shade
• Good for: Historical gardens, borders, cutting, dried petals
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Gallica Officinalis is the Apothecary's Rose of medieval and Renaissance Europe, grown continuously since at least the 13th century. Its semi-double blooms are rich deep pink to crimson with prominent golden stamens, releasing a strong, sweet classic old rose fragrance that intensifies when petals are dried. This living piece of garden history remains one of the most historically significant roses in cultivation.

Gallica Officinalis, the Rose That Changed History

Few plants carry as much documented history as Gallica Officinalis. The petals of this rose were dried and traded across medieval Europe for their medicinal and aromatic properties. In Provins, France, the rose became so economically important that it appears on the town's coat of arms. Apothecaries used it to make rose water, conserves, syrups and medicinal preparations. Dried petals retain their scent for years, a quality that made this variety invaluable before modern fragrance synthesis.

Today, Gallica Officinalis grows to around 120cm (4ft), a compact shrub that flowers once, generously, in late June and July. The semi-double blooms open from darker buds into flowers of extraordinary richness, their deep crimson-pink intensified by the golden stamens at their heart. The fragrance is unmistakably old rose: sweet, complex, and impossibly strong. Plant this rose and you're planting a direct descendant of the roses that perfumed the Renaissance.

This Gallica variety is utterly hardy, asking only for full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It needs minimal pruning and has the constitution of a survivor, which it proves by having survived eight centuries in cultivation. It's an outstanding choice for anyone interested in heritage gardening, rose history or simply wanting a rose with genuine character and substance.

Single Flush, Continuous Presence

Gallica Officinalis flowers once, heavily, rather than repeatedly through the season. This concentration of bloom is part of its appeal. For two or three weeks in summer, the shrub becomes a mass of deeply fragrant, richly coloured flowers that draw bees and complement any border. After flowering, the foliage remains neat and healthy, providing a quiet structure to the garden for the rest of the year.

The single flowering season also makes this rose practical for specific uses. If you're planning to dry petals for craft projects, pot-pourri, or simply to enjoy their remarkable lasting scent, you'll know exactly when to harvest. The petals dry perfectly, holding their colour and fragrance for months or years when stored in a cool, dark place.

A Rose for Heritage and Contemporary Gardens

Gallica Officinalis belongs in heritage and period gardens, certainly, but it's equally at home in modern borders where its compact stature and reliable, old-fashioned character add depth and authenticity. It works beautifully as a standalone feature, massed in groups of three or more, or incorporated into mixed borders of herbaceous perennials and other old roses. Its deep colouring partners well with lavender, catmint, salvias and silver-leaved plants. The strong fragrance makes it ideal for planting near seating areas or pathways where you'll catch its scent regularly.

Companion Plants for Historic Roses

Gallica Officinalis partners beautifully with other heritage plantings. Combine it with lavender for a classic cottage garden look, underplant with alliums for textural contrast, and edge borders with catmint or salvias. Consider grouping it with other shrub roses and scented varieties for a garden that honours rose history.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

We grow Gallica Officinalis on vigorous rootstock selected for long-term health and performance. Our plants are budded by specialist growers and supplied to us as quality specimens. Ashridge is a Which? Gardening award winner and holds Feefo's Platinum Trusted Service Award. Buy with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Gallica Officinalis?

Gallica Officinalis has been documented in cultivation since at least the 13th century, making it one of the oldest roses still widely grown. It's a living link to medieval and Renaissance gardens.

Can I dry the petals?

Yes. The petals dry exceptionally well and retain colour and fragrance for months or years. Harvest after the morning dew has dried, spread on paper in a cool, dark place and allow two to three weeks to dry completely.

Does it flower more than once?

No. Gallica Officinalis has a single flush in late June and July. This generous, concentrated flowering is characteristic of many Gallica roses and makes harvesting petals straightforward.

How large does it grow?

Gallica Officinalis reaches approximately 120cm (4ft) tall and spreads to a similar width, making it a compact shrub rose suitable for smaller gardens and mixed borders.

What's the best way to prune it?

Prune after flowering in late July or early August, cutting back to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Light pruning keeps the shrub tidy without reducing next year's flowering. See our pruning guide for detail.