Few roses have such a well-documented and interesting background as the apothecary’s rose, botanically known as Rosa gallica var. officinalis. The original species of this rose is believed to be native to ancient Persia. Knights returning from the Crusades are thought to have brought it back to Europe in the 13^th century. Its medicinal qualities were already well known, and on its arrival in France, it began to be cultivated in quantity near the town of Provins. At that time, it was grown mainly in monasteries where monks prepared medicinal compounds from its petals. Preserves, jellies, oils and powders were produced, and because the dried petals also retain their perfume, it was popular for potpourri.

During the civil wars in the 15^th century, the apothecary's rose was adopted as the red rose symbol for the House of Lancaster. Until the 19^th century, it continued to be grown extensively to provide an essential component for remedies sold by apothecaries - the equivalent of our present day chemist shops. Although this rose is not cultivated in such great quantity today, and it is now regarded primarily as an ornamental, garden plant, its fragrant petals are still popular for potpourri and are also used in the preparation of modern cosmetics and perfumes.

The apothecary’s rose is clothed in a haze of vibrant, semi-double, crimson-pink blooms for three or four weeks around mid-summer. Each flower has a yellow centre surrounded by open, loosely arranged petals. The fact that this is not a repeat-flowering rose adds to its charm; the ephemeral display makes it even more precious. Neat and compact in habit, it is useful for forming a low hedge, maintained at around 90 cm (3 ft) in height. Such is the vivacity and opulence of blossom for one month of the year, it is of little consequence that it has such a short flowering season. Fallen petals are equally attractive and, as blossoms fade, the area beneath either side of the hedge is carpeted in pink formany days. The longevity of its petals is another quality for which it was highly revered many centuries ago.

Rosa gallica var. officinalis is readily available from specialist rose catalogues and many garden centres or nurseries. When grown on its own roots, it has a spreading, suckering habit that is useful for ground cover. It is, however, almost always sold budded onto a rootstock and will form a neat, low-growing shrub around 120 cm (4 ft) high. Because it has a slightly open, spreading habit, it is best to keep it trimmed to 90 cm (3 ft) to maintain a tighter shape so that wind and rain can do less damage. Like many roses, it may become susceptible to mildew, especially if a wet summer follows a mild winter. This problem is particularly noticeable in western areas of the U.K. but varies in intensity from year to year. Planted in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in an open, sunny site, this rose of great antiquity should provide years and years of pleasure.