Apart from the wild Rosa gallica, the other contributors to this hybrid group are not generally known, however it played an important part in 19th century gardening and the genes have flowed on into many modern roses.
Gallicas are almost always thornless and form low shrubs of just over a metre high. They often feature lush and thick mid green foliage making an attractive bush when not in bloom. 'Tuscany Superb' is a good example of this feature.
The once-flowering blooms are usually pink, red, or purple and have a strong rose fragrance. Flowers emerge as singles or in clusters of semi-to-full double blooms that appear only once in a season.
Rosa gallica ‘Officinalis’ is the most famous being first noted around the 14th century. It was originally grown for its medicinal qualities, hence the name ‘Apothecary’s Rose’. It is also believed to be the ‘Red Rose of Lancaster’, the emblem chosen by the House of Lancaster at the time of the War of the Roses.