Apothecary Rose

How to grow Apothecary Rose

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

An old shrub rose grown on its own roots, which suckers to form a low thicket. Plant it where that spreading habit is useful rather than a nuisance, and give it sun for the scent to develop.

Pruning

It flowers once, on wood made the previous year, so prune after flowering rather than in spring. Shorten the flowered shoots and take out old or weak stems at the base.

Propagation

Detach rooted suckers in autumn or winter — much the simplest method on an own-root plant.

Pests and diseases

Prone to mildew in dry soil and still air. Blackspot occurs but old gallicas generally shrug it off better than modern hybrid teas.

Value to wildlife

The single species and near-single forms are good for bees; the heavily double old cultivars much less so.

Notes

One flush only, in June, and no repeat. That is the trade for the scent and the hardiness, and it is worth being clear about before planting it as a border centrepiece.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Rosa gallica but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

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