Rose 'Cardinal de Richelieu'

This Gallica rose is world-famous for its unique and dramatic flower colour. It produces small, very double, neatly formal flowers that open a deep burgundy and mature to a rich, dark slate-purple or violet. The fragrance is spicy and moderate. It is a compact, slender shrub reaching about 1.2m, with relatively few thorns and dark green, matte foliage. In the UK, it is once-flowering in midsummer, but its historical charm and extraordinary colour make it a must-have for fans of old roses. It is fully hardy and performs best in rich, well-drained soil. Because Gallicas can be prone to mildew in dry conditions, it benefits from a mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Pruning should be carried out after flowering in summer. It is an ideal choice for a traditional cottage garden or a dedicated rose border where its heritage can be appreciated.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.