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Summary
Rosa species,
Roses, with their diverse species, offer a wealth of culinary and medicinal possibilities. Many species of Rosa, including the Dog Rose (R. canina), Ramanas Rose (R. rugosa), and Damask Rose (R. damascena), produce edible hips and petals that can be used in a variety of ways. From teas to jams, desserts to garnishes, these roses are valued for their versatility and health benefits.
Edible parts include rose hips, the fruit that develops after the rose flower has bloomed. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Dog Rose, Ramanas Rose, and French Rose (R. gallica) are known for their edible hips. The hips are raw or cooked in jams, jellies, syrups, stews, sauces, teas, and soups or made into a syrupy drink. Rose petals are edible and can be used fresh or dried; they garnish salads, desserts, or flavour beverages like rose water or tea. Candied petals are used to decorate cakes and desserts. Rose water, made from distilled rose petals from species like Damask Rose, is used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine to flavour sweets, drinks, and desserts. Flower buds make herbal teas or as a flavour in desserts and syrups. Both rose hips and petals contain antioxidants. Rose petal tea is a mild laxative used to soothe digestive issues.
Many Rose species grow in Mediterranean, arid, and semi-arid climates. Choose species and varieties adaptable to drought and heat. Ramanas Rose and Dog Rose are more drought-tolerant than others.
Harvesting: Rose hips are harvested from late summer to early autumn, and flowers from late spring to early autumn.
Physical Characteristics
Rosa gallica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers
Edible Uses: Condiment
Petals - raw or cooked. They can be added as a decorative garnish to salads[238], and can also be crystallised or preserved in syrup. They are also dried and used as a flavouring in tea, beverages, cakes etc[177, 183]. The dried petals and flower buds are an important ingredient in the Northern African spice mixture 'ras-el-hanout'[238]. Rose water, made by cold-infusing the petals, is used as a flavouring in various confections, especially 'Turkish Delight'[238]. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement[102, 183]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial Aromatherapy Astringent Cancer Tonic
The petals are antibacterial, astringent and tonic[4, 61]. They are taken internally in the treatment of colds, bronchial infections, gastritis, diarrhoea, depression and lethargy[238]. Externally, they are used to treat eye infections, sore throats, minor injuries and skin problems[238]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214]. The essential oil from the flowers is used in aromatherapy to counter depression, anxiety and negative feelings[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Essential Pot-pourri
Agroforestry uses: Roses are beneficial in agroforestry systems as they can provide ground cover, attract pollinators, and improve biodiversity. Certain species are also used for hedges and windbreaks. An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery[100], as an additive to bath water and in skin care preparations[238]. Rose water, made by a cold infusion of the petals, is also added to bath water and skin care preparations[238]. The dried petals and buds are used in pot-pourri[238]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Roses produce flowers rich in nectar and pollen, making them excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The hips (fruit) of many rose species are a food source for birds and mammals. The dense structure of rose bushes provides good shelter and nesting spots for birds and small animals.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The rough stems, leaf litter, and dense growth of rose bushes can provide overwintering sites for beneficial invertebrates.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – While roses are fragrant, they are not typically known to confuse pests with their scent.
Special Uses
Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils[11], preferring a circumneutral soil and a sunny position[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes water-logged soils[200]. Grows well with alliums, parsley, mignonette and lupins[18, 20]. Garlic planted nearby can help protect the plant from disease and insect predation[18, 20]. Grows badly with boxwood[18]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers have a spicy fragrance[245]. It is cultivated for its essential oil in Eastern Europe[100]. There are some named varieties[200]. 'Officinalis' is the Apothecary's rose, it has been cultivated for its medicinal virtues[200]. Plants produce suckers[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[80]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Some species of roses are self-fertile, while others require cross-pollination with different varieties for optimal fruit (hip) production. Rose hips are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, usually from August to October (Northern Hemisphere), depending on the species.
Roses usually flower from late spring to early autumn, typically between May and September (Northern Hemisphere).
Growth rates vary by species, but many roses can grow moderately fast, reaching maturity within 2 to 3 years, depending on the care and conditions provided.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant Propagation
Seed. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate. This is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seedcoat[80]. One possible way to reduce this time is to scarify the seed and then place it for 2 - 3 weeks in damp peat at a temperature of 27 - 32°c (by which time the seed should have imbibed). It is then kept at 3°c for the next 4 months by which time it should be starting to germinate[80]. Alternatively, it is possible that seed harvested 'green' (when it is fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately will germinate in the late winter. This method has not as yet(1988) been fully tested[80]. Seed sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame sometimes germinates in spring though it may take 18 months. Stored seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and stratified for 6 weeks at 5°c[200]. It may take 2 years to germinate[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Plant out in the summer if the plants are more than 25cm tall, otherwise grow on in a cold frame for the winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July in a shaded frame. Overwinter the plants in the frame and plant out in late spring[78]. High percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth. Select pencil thick shoots in early autumn that are about 20 - 25cm long and plant them in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame[78, 200]. The cuttings can take 12 months to establish but a high percentage of them normally succeed[78]. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions. Layering. Takes 12 months[11].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
French Rose, Rosa gallica
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, France AFRICA: Libya
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Acaenia anserinifolia | Pirri-Pirri Bur | Perennial | 0.1 |
5-9
| F | LMH | SN | M | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Aciphylla squarrosa | Speargrass | Perennial | 2.5 |
4-8
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Adenostoma fasciculatum | Greasewood | Shrub | 3.0 |
7-10
| | LMH | N | DM | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Adenostoma sparsifolium | Redshank | Shrub | 6.0 |
7-10
| | LMH | N | DM | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Agrimonia eupatoria | Agrimony, Churchsteeples | Perennial | 0.6 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Agrimonia parviflora | Harvestlice | Perennial | 2.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | DM | 0 | 2 | |
| Agrimonia pilosa | Hairy Agrimony | Perennial | 0.6 |
-
| | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 3 | |
| Agrimonia striata | Roadside agrimony | | 0.0 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Alchemilla alpina | Alpine Lady's Mantle, Mountain Lady's Mantle | Perennial | 0.2 |
3-7
| M | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 3 | |
| Alchemilla mollis | Lady's-mantle | Perennial | 0.6 |
3-8
| M | LMH | FSN | M | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Alchemilla xanthochlora | Lady's Mantle | Perennial | 0.3 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Amelanchier alnifolia | Saskatoon, Saskatoon serviceberry, Serviceberry | Shrub | 4.0 |
4-6
| M | LMH | SN | M | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Amelanchier alnifolia cusickii | Cusick's Serviceberry | Shrub | 3.0 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Amelanchier alnifolia semiintegrifolia | Pacific Serviceberry | Shrub | 3.0 |
0-0
| S | LMH | SN | M | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Amelanchier arborea | Downy Serviceberry, Alabama serviceberry, Juneberry, Common Serviceberry, Downy Serviceberry | Tree | 10.0 |
5-8
| S | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Amelanchier asiatica | Korean Juneberry | Tree | 8.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier bartramiana | Oblongfruit serviceberry | Shrub | 3.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Amelanchier basalticola | Dwarf Service-berry | Shrub | 3.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Amelanchier canadensis | Juneberry, Canadian serviceberry, Serviceberry Downy, Shadblow, Shadbush, Serviceberry | Shrub | 6.0 |
4-7
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Amelanchier confusa | | Shrub | 3.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Amelanchier humilis | Low serviceberry | Shrub | 1.8 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier huroensis | | Tree | 6.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier interior | Pacific serviceberry | Tree | 9.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier intermedia | June berry, | Shrub | 6.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Amelanchier laevis | Allegheny Shadberry, Allegheny serviceberry, Smooth Serviceberry | Shrub | 9.0 |
5-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Amelanchier lamarckii | Apple Serviceberry | Shrub | 6.0 |
3-3
| | LMH | SN | M | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Amelanchier obovalis | Southern Juneberry, Coastal serviceberry | Tree | 1.5 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Amelanchier ovalis | Snowy Mespilus, Dwarf Garden Serviceberry | Shrub | 5.0 |
5-7
| S | LMH | N | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier ovalis integrifolia | | Shrub | 4.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Amelanchier pallida | Pale Serviceberry | Shrub | 4.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | |
|
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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