Rose 'Cardinal de Richelieu', Rose Van Sian, Gallica Roses, Shrub Roses
Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ is a magnificent Gallica rose celebrated for its deep purple blooms and historical charm. Introduced in 1840 by the French breeder Parmentier, this heirloom rose was named after Cardinal Richelieu, the powerful 17th-century French statesman. Its dramatic color, compact size, and rich history make it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate antique roses.
Renowned for its once-blooming season, this heirloom rose produces an unforgettable display of velvety, richly colored flowers in early summer. Its versatility and hardiness make it a treasured choice for traditional rose gardens and informal landscapes alike.
Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).
Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ is a deciduous shrub rose that stands out for its unique purple coloration. The flowers open a rich, dark plum or purple with velvety tones and mature to a softer lilac hue, creating a stunning gradient effect. The blooms are fully double and exude a mild fragrance.
This rose blooms profusely in early summer, offering an intense, short-lived display. Though it does not repeat-bloom, the beauty and fragrance of its flowers make it worth the wait.
As a Gallica rose, Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ originated in Europe and is a descendant of wild species native to the Mediterranean region. Its lineage traces back to some of the oldest cultivated roses, making it a vital link to the history of rose breeding.
This rose is a deciduous shrub with a compact, bushy habit. Its upright stems have few to no prickles or thorns and are adorned with clusters of large, richly colored blooms. The plant’s tidy form makes it suitable for small gardens, mixed borders, and as a standalone specimen.
Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ typically grows 3-6 feet (90–180 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60–90 cm) wide. Its manageable size and compact growth habit allow it to fit beautifully into a variety of garden styles.
The flowers of this old garden rose are its defining feature:
The foliage is composed of dark green, ovate leaves with a slightly matte finish. The leaves are arranged in a pinnate pattern and serve as an elegant backdrop to the bold flowers.
This rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, making it well-suited to temperate climates with cold winters and mild summers.
Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ is versatile and valued for its many uses:
Deer and rabbits can cause damage.
This heirloom rose is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens. Its petals are even edible and widely used in culinary and cosmetic applications.
This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.
This rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. Partial shade may be tolerated in hotter climates, though this may reduce flower production.
This heirloom rose prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) conditions. Tolerant of poor soil.
Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the blooming period. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps maintain soil fertility.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant. After blooming, remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Avoid pruning after flowering if rose hips are desired.
Propagate using several methods:
Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:
This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.
Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.
Regular monitoring, proper pruning, and ensuring good air circulation can minimize risks. Applying organic pest control measures and treating fungal infections early with fungicides are essential to maintaining healthy roses.
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa |
Common names | Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early) |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa |
Common names | Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early) |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
How many Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ (Gallica Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ (Gallica Rose) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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