Alba roses vs. Gallica in our climate

11 years ago

For those of you who have both, do Gallica do as well(or better) than Alba in our climate? I have 2 Albas so far, which have done fine. They are very slow growing for me compared to any of my more hardy roses, of course, but I think it'll be worth it if I have patience. I'm interested in getting a few Gallica this year, and on Corn Hill they are both listed as zone 4, but I was wondering if you have noticed a difference in how well they do here? Do you prefer one over the other?

Secondly, do you have a favorite place to buy old roses? I have only bought from Corn Hill the one time, and the roses were fine(except one was pretty pathetic and died), but just wondering if I am missing out on a better nursery.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

northspruce
11 years ago
I have both but the only Gallica I could call mature is R. Gallica versicolor so I don't know if it's representative of the whole group. I also have Cardinal Richelieu but it's only a couple of years old. Based on that and somewhere around 10 Albas, I'd say the Albas are way better here. RGV is low and scraggly and suckers all over the place - picture a 2' high x 6' diameter bramble patch. It blooms nicely though.

Albas are wonderful and perfect and I love them. ;)
weeper_11
Original Author
11 years ago
Interesting! I wonder why Gallica's are less hardy? Maybe some of those other contributing factors to hardiness, beyond just the zone. Maybe I'll stick with Alba's..I don't really want to nurse something along. Thanks for your input, Northspruce!(and yes, they are wonderful!)
Related Professionals
Decatur Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · College Station Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hartford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Providence Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cheyenne Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Frederick Landscape Contractors · Bemidji Landscape Contractors · Kennewick Landscape Contractors · Vidalia Basement Remodeling · Columbia Basement Remodeling · Houston Basement Remodeling · Lafayette Basement Remodeling · Albert Lea Basement Remodeling · Rutland Basement Remodeling · Lewiston Basement Remodeling
northspruce
11 years ago
I can't even say they're less hardy... I've had RG versicolor for 9 years and it doesn't do any better or worse in hard or mild winters. I just hate the form of it and how it suckers so badly. Cardinal R. seems fine so far but it was grafted so hopefully that will keep it in line.
SouthCountryGuy Zone 4b-5 SE BC
11 years ago
I can't really add anything to this discussion other than I just realized I only have one Gallica rose, something I must change!!

SCG