Rose Variegated Rose

Rosa gallica 'Versicolor' is often also referred to as Rosa Mundi, this striking old rose from the Gallica group is the oldest and most famous of the striped roses. Discovered in the United Kingdom before 1560, it is a striped sport of Rosa gallica Officinalis and is largely identical to its parent.

This rose displays charming, large ( about 8 - 10 cm), semi-double (9 - 16 petals) blooms in a pink-red colours with pale and deep pink stripes and a bright yellow center. The aroma is strong, intoxicating, of an Old rose character. A once-flowering variety, it blooms abundantly in late spring or early summer and forms decorative red rose hips. The bush is well-branched, compact, and grows to a height of 75 - 120 cm and to a width of about 90 - 120 cm. It is propagated easily through root suckers and has only a small number of thorns. Its matte, medium-green foliage consists of five leaflets and takes on an attractive color in autumn.

This rose is suitable for mixed borders, compact hedges, or pots. Its open flowers attract bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Additionally, the blooms can be used in cooking and beverages.

To maintain its health, prune after flowering or during dormancy by removing old, dead, or diseased wood. It is a low-maintenance variety that thrives in poor soil, tolerates shade, and is highly frost-resistant, suitable for climate zones similar to USDA zones 4 and warmer.

A Historical Legacy

Rosa gallica 'Versicolor' is a Shrub rose with origins rooted in antiquity. It is as robust as its parent, Rosa gallica Officinalis. This reliable variety produces an abundance of striped, semi-double, silky blooms in summer, its light pink petals streaked with darker pink veins and have pure Old Rose fragrance. This rose thrives without intervention, persisting in old gardens, overgrown slopes, and abandoned plots, standing the test of time while retaining its charm. Simply plant it and it will flourish everywhere.

It is also known as the "Red Rose of Lancaster" or Provins variegated, this rose is a mutation of the botanical Rosa gallica var. officinalis. It was mentioned in Western texts as early as 1583 by Charles de l'Écluse. This ancient rose, celebrated by the Greek poet Anacreon in the 6th century BCE, is believed to have been brought to Gaul by Roman conquerors. All Gallica roses are very winter hardy and undemanding plants.

This variety marked a turning point in rose history, as it was chosen not for its medicinal properties but for its decorative appeal.

Modern Use and Appeal

Although remontant hybrids have largely replaced them, Gallica roses like 'Versicolor', 'Cardinal de Richelieu' and 'Charles de Mills' endure as historic sentinels in old gardens and cemeteries, even as many others have disappeared. Far from melancholic, 'Versicolor' enhances summer flowering shrub borders, landscape hedges, and mixed plantings with Buddlejas, Abelia, or Deutzia. Its modest size makes it suitable for perennial borders, where it pairs beautifully with geraniums, phlox, night violets, or Linaria purpurea.

Despite blooming only once, this rose's unique charm makes it an essential addition to any rose lover's garden. Its qualities overshadow its limitations, making it a timeless treasure.

Planting Tip

If you have the space, plant together English, Old and shrub roses in groups of three. They will grow together to form a lush, singular bush that blooms even more profusely.

It is the source of numerous legends, one of which is said to have given rise to the name "The Fair Rosamund" in honor of England's beloved Henry II, who adored these roses.

Named after Rosamund Clifford, often referred to as "The Fair Rosamund" or "Rose of the World," she was a medieval English noblewoman and mistress of Henry II, King of England. She became famous in English folklore.

RHS AGM 1993, Hall of Fame WFRS 2009

Sport of Rosa gallica var. officinalis Ser.

USDA 4 and warmer