Rosa gallica officinalis - The Apothecary’s Rose A very ancient rose, once used by apothecaries for its gorgeous scented oil, Rosa gallica var. officinalis is the rose the Lancastrians chose as their emblem in the Wars of the Roses. It’s a small, deciduous shrub rose with an upright, bushy habit and matte, greyish-green, divided leaves. In midsummer, the shrub bears a profusion of semi-double, light crimson flowers with golden stamens and the most wonderful old rose fragrance; in autumn, the flowers are followed by small, oval red hips. The Apothecary’s rose is a really tough, hardy, healthy rose, and very reliable. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: MidsummerHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 3’ (1m) Spread: 3’ (1m) in 2-5 years