Rose Charles de Mills

One of the most celebrated and widely cultivated Gallica roses, ‘Charles de Mills’ is a historic cultivar of 18th-century origin, whose exact parentage remains unknown. Renowned for its exceptionally large, luxuriant flowers of unique flattened form and deep purple coloration, this rose blooms once per season, yet so profusely that it remains a cornerstone of romantic and historic gardens worldwide. Compact in habit and nearly thornless, it is especially well suited to small gardens, where it delivers an unforgettable early-summer display.

From blood-red buds emerge fragrant, very full flowers that initially appear crimson-red, gradually deepening to rich violet and purple-crimson tones as they mature. Blooms are borne singly or in clusters of 3 - 7 blooms together, and are notably large, measuring to about 11 - 12 cm (4.3 - 4.7 in) in diameter. Each flower is fully double, with 26 - 40 petals, densely arranged and strongly quartered, often forming an exquisitely symmetrical, almost perfect rosette. As the flowers flatten with age, they develop the distinctive very flat, plate-like form for which the variety is famous; occasionally, a small green eye appears at the center. Color is variable yet consistently saturated, blending crimson, burgundy, violet, and deep purple hues, sometimes overlaid with red undertones. The fragrance is strong, sweet, and richly evocative, characteristic of the finest old roses.

Flowering occurs once, typically in late spring to early summer, and lasts for approximately four weeks, during which the bush becomes completely covered in bloom.

The plant of rose ‘Charles de Mills’ is upright and vigorous, with arched canes that bend gracefully under the weight of the flowers. Mature size ranges from 100 - 150 cm, occasionally up to 170 cm (3.3 - 5.6 ft) in height, and about 120 - 150 cm (3.9 - 4.9 ft) in width. The plant bears few or no prickles, making it unusually easy to handle for a Gallica rose. The foliage is abundant and thick, composed of 5 - 7 oval, broad leaflets, ranging in color from medium green to dark green, and forming an excellent backdrop for the richly colored blooms. The plant produces root suckers, allowing for easy propagation and natural colony formation.

Thanks to its strong vigor, ‘Charles de Mills’ is among the easiest Gallica roses to grow. It is very frost-hardy, suitable for growing in climates similar to USDA Zones 4b - 8b, and is shade tolerant, though flowering is most abundant when planted in a spot with plenty of sunlight.

Disease resistance is average; the rose may be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, and rust, particularly in regions with rainy summers, and therefore benefits from preventative treatments to maintain healthy foliage.

Pruning should be carried out after flowering. During the first two years, only light pruning is recommended to allow the plant to establish. Thereafter, prune by no more than one-third annually, as this rose flowers on old (previous year’s) wood. Its compact habit and reliability make it particularly decorative when planted in groups or used as a low, informal hedge.

Once in bloom, ‘Charles de Mills’ offers an exceptional spectacle: the bush becomes a mass of deep purple-violet rosettes, tightly arranged and gradually flattening into perfectly formed quartered rosettes. Against the medium-green foliage, the effect is one of remarkable richness and harmony. The entire plant becomes a focal point of luxurious color and fragrance, and it is no surprise that this rose was among the favorites of Empress Joséphine. Timeless and iconic, it remains a benchmark for beauty, form, and perfume among old roses.

This rose is traditionally associated with Charles Mills, a director of the East India Company, elected in 1785.

Royal Horticultural Society, Award of Garden Merit (AGM), 1993

World Federation of Rose Societies, Inducted into the Old Rose Hall of Fame, 2015

The exact botanical parentage remains unknown.

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