GALLICA

All these Gallicas are grand, old, richly hued roses. Many are rather gawky shrubs, with little grace to them. But you can prune back the canes for a tidier bush, or let them grow as they wish and their bloom heavy branches will drape gracefully to the ground. They do have character, with interestingly textured blooms and fine fat leaves. The fragrance is strong in all and they are once bloomers. Tuscany Superb is, at its name implies, superb! I think no other rose matches its velvety texture. Its deep crimson/purple color has so far eluded me in being accurately reproduced, as has Charles de Mills.

	CHARLES DE MILLS It's quartered form is a glory to behold! A rose to die for. It is of unknown antiquity. It grows as a fine stocky shrub to 5 feet and can be trimmed back to keep it from splaying out. Health is VG
COMPLICATA A very fine ancient Gallica. Does best with some support and is very easy to grow. Makes a large floppy shrub of about 6x5 feet. It's a rewarding rose to grow for the beginner because it's vigorous and so undemanding. Just give it enough room to grow if you want the canes to arch down, or give it some support (fence, cage, wall). It is not even fussy on where you site it. Health is VG
	DUCHESSE DE MONTEBELLO An elegant old lady dating from 1829. Has a dainty double bloom of blush pink. A tidy upright shrub to about 7 ft., with a fairly strong old rose fragrance Health is EX
	R. GALLICA OFFICINALIS has a distinguished place in history as the Apothecary Rose (it was used medicinally in Medieval Times), but its bright pink color and sweet fragrance are enough to recommend it. The blooms are a gorgeous strong pink which makes a showy bush of big doubles. Health is VG
R. GALLICA VERSICOLOR The original striped rose is historically famous under another name: Rosamundi, a mistress of Henry II .It is identical to R. gallica officinalis, but is streaked white and red. Often it will wholly or partially revert to its parent. Health is VG
	TUSCANY SUPERB As the name says, a superb rose! Wonderful velvety blooms with great texture and color, centered with a crown of prominent yellow stamens. One of these years I'll get a photo that will do it justice. Health is VG