French rose

An ancient and noble rose

The French rose is a deciduous shrub with a long history, considered one of the oldest roses cultivated in Europe. It forms compact, vigorous bushes, with upright, thorny stems and deep green, slightly wrinkled leaves. The flowers, which usually appear only once a year in high summer, are a bright pink tending to crimson, with golden stamens clearly visible at the centre; they release a sweet, lasting fragrance. In the wild form the flowers are simple, with five petals, while the many cultivated varieties can be fuller and richer.

Origin and distribution

It is native to central and southern Europe, extending eastwards to Turkey and the Caucasus. It grows wild at the edges of woods, in clearings and on sunny slopes. It was one of the first roses to be cultivated in central Europe and is the ancestor of many of the garden roses we know today.

Cultivation and care

The French rose is a sturdy, undemanding rose, ideal even for those with little experience. It prefers a sunny or partly shaded position and a fertile, well-drained soil. It is extremely hardy and copes well with winter cold. It needs regular watering, especially in dry periods, avoiding waterlogging. A light pruning after flowering helps to keep the compact shape of the bush. It tends to produce root suckers, with which it can spread to form small colonies.

Uses and curiosities

Also known as the rose of Provins, for centuries it was cultivated for its fragrant petals, used in perfumery and in traditional preparations. Its intense scent and its ability to retain it even when dried made it one of the most prized roses in history. In gardens it is much loved today for the romantic, old-world charm it brings to beds.