Rosa gallica Complicata - Old Gallic Rose

The Old Rose 'Complicata' is one of those ancient hybrids whose exact origins have been lost to history; like a wild rose wandering the countryside, it thrives in all climates and soils, where it forms a large, luxuriant bush with iron-like health and absolutely healthy foliage. In June, it bears very bright pink hips that shine in the shade and almost glow against the light, illuminated by a small white center well provided with golden yellow stamens. This rose has its place everywhere, especially in a simple and wild garden where it will find a beautiful spot with just poor soil.

Rosa x gallica 'Complicata' is an ancient natural hybrid obtained before 1800, derived from the botanical rose Rosa gallica officinalis, the French rose or Provins rose, a wild species native to central and southern Europe, western Asia, Turkey and the Caucasus. All the so-called gallic roses are resistant and undemanding bushes, forming low bushes with good covering vegetation; 'Complicata' is undoubtedly the most vigorous of all and the most tolerant in terms of growing conditions.

The 'Complicata' rose forms a beautiful bush with a flexible habit, slightly drooping, reaching about 1.5m (5ft) to 1.8m (6ft)  in height and 2m in width. Its stems are slender and arched, and its growth is rapid. Its semi-evergreen foliage, divided into 5 large toothed leaflets, is carried by flexible, slightly thorny but rough stems. It is adorned with a rather deep green, rather matte. It blooms abundantly in June for 2 to 3 weeks. From loosely closed fuchsia pink buds, single flowers, about 11 to 12cm (4.7in) wide, open with an extraordinarily bright pink colour around a white centre, a shiny satin pink, which one would be tempted to describe as fluorescent. They are solitary, or gathered in small corymbs on 1-year-old wood. The fragrance of its roses is subtle, pleasant, with fruity notes. Globose fruits, orangish in autumn, quite decorative, follow the flowering. This variety is remarkably frugal and does not require fertilizers or watering once well established. It behaves very well in partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Subsequently abandoned for remontant hybrid varieties, gallic roses are nevertheless sturdy plants steeped in history. They are bushes like 'Versicolor', 'Jenny Duval', 'Cardinal de Richelieu' or 'Charles de Mills' that stand guard in old abandoned gardens and cemeteries, while many others have surrendered. 'Complicata' is perhaps the sturdiest of them all, standing out in a large, slightly neglected hedge with its brilliant June flowering. It contributes to the exuberance of shrub borders, landscape hedges, mixed with ornamental apple trees, viburnums, spindle trees, Abelias, or lilacs, the choice is vast depending on the region and climate. Its vigorous growth also allows it to be trained on a small fruit tree or on a large shaded wall. These qualities make us forget that it only blooms once, which is never a reproach for other flowering shrubs!