Charles de Mills

Of unknown origin and parentage, 'Charles de Mills' is widely regarded as the finest of all Gallica roses. Its large, flat rosette blooms — packed with petals arranged in precise, quartered segments — range from deep crimson to rich purple-magenta, a coloration of unusual depth and complexity. The strong, rich Damask fragrance is characteristic of the Gallica class. Once-blooming in early summer, the display is generous and the presence of the individual blooms is commanding. Few thorns make it easy to handle. It is adaptable to partial shade and grows vigorously even in poor soils, demonstrating the resilience typical of old garden roses. A light post-bloom tidy and winter thinning of crowded branches is all that is needed to maintain the plant year after year.

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