R. gallica L. THE FRENCH ROSE , PROVINS ROSE A suckering low shrub up to 80cm high, forming large patches. Stems with prickles and glandular bristles. Leaflets 3-7, 2-6 „eƒn1.8-3cm, rather stiff ovate to narrowly elliptical, rounded at apex, double toothed, bluish-green and glabrous above, paler pubescent and glabrous beneath. Flowers single, solitary or 2-4 in a group, scented, deep pink. Pedicels with glandular bristles. Outer sepals pinnatifid, deflexed and falling after flowering. Fruit globose to ovoid, densely glandula bristly. Native of southern and central Europe, from France where it is locally frequent and Belgium, eastwards to Turkey and the Caucasus. Naturalized in Spain and Portugal. This is the forerunner of most of the garden roses, and in its unimproved form makes a most attractive low shrub. It can be recognized by its low stature, large flowers and stiff leathery leaves. Zone 5, will survive down to –25°C.