Rosa gallica Gros Provins Panaché

Rosa Gros Provins Panaché was created in France by Fontaine in 1866. It is a unique variety derived from the robust gallica rose. This bush has a flexible habit, and is almost devoid of thorns. It bears disease-free light green foliage. It produces beautiful fragrant double flowers, variegated with white, cream, and different shades of pink. This flowering is rarely perpetual, but it is abundant and prolonged in June. All gallica roses are hardy, healthy, carefree, and full of charm.

Rosa Gros Provins Panaché  is a descendant of R. gallica, the French rose, a plant celebrated by the Greek poet Anacreon in the 6th century BC. Native to central and southern Europe, the original gallica rose was probably brought to Gaul by the Roman conquest.

Rosa Gros Provins Panaché has a vigorous growth rate. It forms a bushy and flexible plant that reaches about 1.5m (5ft) in height and 1.2m (4ft) in width. Its stems are almost devoid of thorns. Its light green foliage is divided into small pointed leaflets, and is remarkably healthy. This variety generally flowers in June, abundantly and for several weeks. Depending on the climate and growing conditions, it sometimes reblooms at the end of summer, but in a more sporadic and unpredictable way. The roses measure 7cm (3in) in diameter and are in the form of double and globular cups. Grouped in numerous clusters, they bloom on branches that are at least one year old. Their colour evolves over the days, and they are all different: the petals are randomly striated with cream-white and pale-pink to almost white, on a background of pink to violet that darkens from purple to violet. At full bloom, the roses sometimes reveal a small cluster of stamens. The scent of the flowers is typical of an ancient rose. The deciduous foliage falls in late autumn.

Subsequently abandoned for repeat-flowering hybrid varieties, gallica roses are nevertheless sturdy plants steeped in history. They stand guard in old abandoned gardens, while many others have surrendered. Recognised as one of the best variegated roses, Rosa Gros Provins contributes to the exuberance of summer-flowering shrub borders and landscaped hedges, mixed with mock oranges, abelias, or lilacs. It is wonderful in perennial borders, alongside perennial geraniums, paniculate phlox, catmints, and lavender.

If you have enough space, English, Old, or Shrub Roses are magnificent when planted in groups of three. They will grow together to form what looks like a single opulent bush that will flower even more generously.