R. gallica ‘Officinalis’
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant blooms and seasonal interest.
Discover the R. gallica ‘Officinalis’, a classic Old Rose variety from David Austin Roses, celebrated for its prolific display of semi-double, fuchsia blooms. This deciduous shrub offers a pure Old Rose fragrance and develops attractive decorative hips in autumn, adding seasonal interest. It forms a mounding habit, reaching approximately 4ft by 4ft, making it ideal for mixed borders or areas that receive partial shade. David Austin Roses stands behind this quality plant with a 5-year guarantee and lifetime support.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
4.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a classic, powerful Old Rose fragrance
- Cold-climate growers needing a robust, disease-resistant shrub
- Culinary enthusiasts interested in historic rose-based recipes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting continuous color throughout the summer season
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding plants that spread aggressively
- Pruners who prefer easy-to-handle, thornless rose varieties
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
Delivers the quintessential, heavy Old Rose scent garden enthusiasts crave.
Seasonal versatility
Provides vibrant summer blooms followed by decorative hips for autumn interest.
Shade tolerance
Thrives in partial shade where many other rose varieties struggle.
Soil adaptability
Highly resilient across diverse soil conditions for stress-free planting.
Hardiness range
Exceptional climate flexibility spanning USDA zones four through eleven.
Support assurance
Industry-leading five-year guarantee provides total peace of mind for gardeners.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4.0 feet
Mature Width
4.0 feet
Bloom Season
Summer
Plant Form
Mounding
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-11
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
Evergreen/Deciduous Type
Deciduous
Features
- Semi-double fuchsia blooms
- Pure Old Rose scent
- Very free-flowering
- Decorative autumn hips
- Suitable for partial shade
- Adaptable to all soil types
- Mounding plant form
What customers say
Customers express deep satisfaction with the R. gallica ‘Officinalis,’ primarily valuing its profound historical significance and unparalleled fragrance. Reviewers consistently praise the intense, classic old rose scent, noting its suitability for culinary uses. The vibrant crimson pink blooms are highly admired during the spectacular annual flush. Furthermore, the quality of the plant material received from David Austin is frequently highlighted; customers report receiving robust, healthy specimens reflecting the inherent hardiness of the Gallica class. While the initial cost is premium, the perceived quality and guarantee of a true heritage variety generally justify the expense. Experienced gardeners celebrate the once blooming nature as a highly anticipated, concentrated event. Overall, this rose is seen as a reliable, historic, and intensely fragrant garden addition.
Know before you buy
No, this is a once-flowering variety that puts on a prolific display of blooms during the summer. While it does not repeat, it compensates with a strong fragrance and the development of decorative hips in the autumn.
Yes, this variety is quite versatile and performs well in partial shade. It is an excellent choice for areas of the garden that may not receive the intense, direct sunlight required by many other rose types.
You should plan for a mature size of approximately 4 feet by 4 feet. Its mounding habit makes it well-suited for mixed borders, but ensure you provide enough room for it to spread to its full width.
Not at all. R. gallica ‘Officinalis’ is highly adaptable and will thrive in all soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. It is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub suitable for a wide range of climates.
After the summer flowering period, the plant produces attractive decorative hips. These add seasonal interest to your garden throughout the autumn months, extending the visual appeal of the shrub beyond its blooming phase.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40