Fleurie : Bouquets & Varietals
Centifolia Rose
The Centifolia Rose, also known as the Cabbage Rose, is one of the oldest varieties of roses still cultivated in France. It has been grown in the region of Grasse, in the South of France, since the 16th century and is known for its fragrant, pink blooms.
Today, the Centifolia Rose is primarily used for the production of rose oil for perfumes.
STATISTIC: In France, the production of Centifolia Rose oil accounts for around 5% of the country's total rose oil production.
Famous French Rose Varietals
Bourbon Rose – Hybrid Rose
The Bourbon Rose is a hybrid rose that originated on the island of Bourbon, now known as Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It was introduced to France in the early 19th century and quickly became popular for its fragrant, pink blooms.
In France, the production of Bourbon Rose oil accounts for around 3% of the country's total rose oil production.
Damask Rose – Ancient Rose
The Damask Rose is an ancient variety of rose believed to have originated in the Middle East. It was brought to France during the Crusades and has been grown in the country since the 13th century. The Damask Rose is known for its fragrant pink or white blooms.
In France, the production of Damask Rose oil accounts for around 10% of the country's total rose oil production.
Provence Rose – Hybrid Rose
The Provence Rose, also known as the Rose de Mai, is a hybrid rose that was developed in France in the early 19th century. It is known for its fragrant, pink blooms and is still grown in the region of Provence today. The Provence Rose is primarily used for the production of rose oil for perfumes.
In France, the production of Provence Rose oil accounts for around 35% of the country's total rose oil production.
Rugosa Rose – Creative Director
The Rugosa Rose is a hardy variety of rose that is native to Asia. It was introduced to France in the late 19th century and quickly became popular for its fragrant pink or white blooms and its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The Rugosa is primarily grown in the Bretagne region.
In France, Rugosa Roses account for approximately 5% of the country's total rose production.
The Enigmatic Dog Rose: A French Legacy
Convinced of its therapeutic effectiveness in curing rabies, from the root to the seeds, the Greeks gave it a species name “canina” (dog), associated with the scientist Rosa canina L.
Rosier de chiens
The Rosa canina, commonly known as the Dog Rose, is a revered symbol in France. Its captivating beauty and rich history have long been a subject of fascination for rose enthusiasts. As an expert in roses and rose growing, you'll appreciate the intricate details of this rose's journey through time and its unique position in French culture.
History & Cultural Significance
The Dog Rose, a wild rose species native to Europe, has captivated the French for centuries. Its presence in France can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it held symbolic significance in heraldry and art. The rose adorned coats of arms and manuscripts, representing nobility and prestige.
In fact, the Dog Rose was an essential motif in the artistic movement known as the International Gothic style, which proliferated in France during the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
This deciduous shrub can reach heights of 1-5 meters, with arching, thorny stems. Its leaves are pinnately compound, featuring 5-7 elliptical leaflets. The flowers, with their delicate petals and sweet fragrance, range from pale pink to vibrant white.Locations in France
The Rosa canina thrives in various environments throughout France. Although this resilient species prefers well-drained, loamy soils, it can adapt to a wide range of conditions. It grows in hedgerows, woodlands, and coastal areas, blooming profusely from late spring to early summer.
The hedgerows and woodlands of Normandy are ideal habitats for the Dog Rose, which benefits from the region's mild maritime climate and fertile soils. Similarly to Normandy, Brittany's coastal areas and forests provide suitable environments for the Dog Rose to thrive. The rose hips are collected and used in traditional Breton cuisine and herbal remedies.
Propagation & Conservation
The diverse landscapes of the Loire Valley, including its forests, meadows, and riverbanks, create a welcoming environment for the Dog Rose. Here, it contributes to the rich biodiversity of the region and is harvested for its rose hips and ornamental value.
In the Mediterranean climate of Provence, the Dog Rose can be found in the scrublands, known as "garrigue," where it grows alongside other aromatic plants like lavender, thyme, and rosemary.
The Dog Rose can also be found in the foothills of the French Alps, where it grows in open woodlands and meadows. The rose hips are sometimes harvested for their high vitamin C content, which can be beneficial in high-altitude environments.
The diverse flora of the Pyrenees mountain range includes the Dog Rose, which flourishes in meadows, pastures, and forests.
Rosier de Chiens – Medicine Past & Future
Throughout French history, the Dog Rose has played a vital role in herbal medicine.Health Benefits
Its rose hips are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients, making them an effective remedy for colds, flu, and other ailments. In modern France, rose hip oil has gained popularity as a skincare ingredient, known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
The edges of the woods and edges of paths in France are full of these purple berries, ovoid and fleshy rose hips with edible concentrates of vitamins A, B2, B3, and C, which fortify the immune system with a vitamin content ten times higher than that of lemon, preventing respiratory infections and scurvy.
Six thousand rose hips grow in the Yonne department, over an area of 270 ha, yielding after flowering and fertilization 810 tonnes of precious seed that is harvested mechanically in the summer.
French rose growers keen on cultivating the Dog Rose can propagate it through various methods, such as hardwood cuttings, layering, or seeds. It's important to note that the Rosa canina is self-fertile, making cross-pollination unnecessary for fruit production.
Today, professionals regularly produce work confirming the many virtues of plants, with the revelation a few years ago of the molecular properties of plants slowing down cell degradation and aging (Tvx. of Pr Jean Morelle – Biochemist).Antioxidants & Anti-Inflammatory
Rosa canina is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These substances help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate the aging process. By reducing oxidative stress, the antioxidants in Rosa canina help maintain cellular integrity and slow down age-related deterioration.
The rose hips of Rosa canina also possess anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the presence of bioactive compounds like galactolipids. These molecules have been shown to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chronic inflammation is associated with various age-related conditions and contributes to cellular damage.
Nutrition & Protection
Vitamin C, a crucial antioxidant found in Rosa canina, plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is the primary structural protein in the skin and connective tissues, responsible for maintaining elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By promoting collagen synthesis, Rosa canina may help delay visible signs of aging.
The rose hip oil derived from Rosa canina is known to contain essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). These fatty acids are crucial for cellular regeneration and repair, as they are integral components of cell membranes. By supporting cell membrane health, Rosa canina may contribute to a slower aging process at the cellular level.
Some studies suggest that the polyphenols found in Rosa canina may offer protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. The photoprotective properties of Rosa canina may help in reducing UV-induced damage, thereby decelerating the aging process.
