Book  (Jul 1998)  Page(s) 33.  Includes photo(s).
 
Rosa gallica "Complicata"
Shrub: spreading habit and not upright like the gallica types; 1.50 m to 2 m tall, but can climb and attain thus 2.50 m to 3 m; quite strong branches; few prickles. Foliage: abundant; light green ; elliptical leaflets, strongly serrated, sometime 3 to 7 instead of 5; keeps them through a large part of winter. Bloom: clusters of 2 to 4, most often 3 flowers; large, single, flat; pretty crown of stamens in the centre; closes at night. Colour: Sparkling light pink; almost white at the heart. Fragrance: moderate. Fruit: ovoid, with persistent sepals.
Bibliography: Beales, p. 155; Jacob et al. p. 50-51; Krussmann, p. 325; Testu, p. 43-45; Thomas, p. 31. Trade: yes, very frequent. Collections: author, Gap-Charance, L'Haÿ, Mottisfont, Sangerhausen.
Despite its name, this rose, more popular in England than in France, is very single... the name "complicata" refers to the fact that its petals fold (pli).
According to research by B. Jellett, this variety seems very close to Rosa complicata named by Dr. Grenier (1808-1875), professor of Botany at Besançon, which he had observed in the Jura [hills]. However, it differentiates itself notably by its vigour, its floriferousness, and the size of its bloom which is much larger. Whatever it is, recent scientific tests conducted in Lyon by Professor Jay on a specimen from l'Haÿ show that this rose is indeed a gallica, hybridized with Rosa canina.

Article (magazine)  (May 1997)  Page(s) 64-76.  Includes photo(s).
 
Rosa ‘Complicata’, a widely cultivated rose recently investigated by ‘fingerprinting’ techniques, is shown to have a surprisinglyuncomplicated history. The origin of this rose is explored and its connection with the wild Rosa complicata Grenier (1864), which was described from the French Jura, is discussed. A colour illustration and description are
provided

Book  (1997)  Page(s) 141.  
 
Of unknown origin. Description and vital statistics. An exceptional rose, good even in poor soils... flat, single flowers of bright pink with paler centres and gold stamens...

Book  (1997)  Page(s) 39.  
 
Complicata can be grown in dappled shade

Book  (Sep 1996)  Page(s) 124, 187 188.  Includes photo(s).
 
p124. Few rose gardens made up predominantly of old varieties are without at least one plant of Gallica ‘Complicata’.... The flowering season of this rose may be fleeting but it makes up for this by the sheer number of flowers it produces when it is in bloom.

p187. ..... the sumptuous bright pink ‘Chapeau de Napoléon’ cohabiting easily with the much simpler, very lovely bright pink single ‘Complicata’.....

p188. No one knows from whence this rose came. It is usually listed as a Gallica, but both its growth habit and its flowers indicate that it clearly has the genes of other species in its make-up - Rosa macrantha in particular. I have also seen R. canina put forward as a possible progenitor. It is certainly too vigorous to be wholly Gallica, attaining a height, given support, of up to twelve to fifteen feet, especially if allowed to grow to its heart’s content. I prefer it as a shrub, with an accasional pruning to keep it in shape, when it can be quite spectacular in early June each year. Its flowers are large (four inches across) and single; their clear, almost shocking pink pales to soft pink in the centre, which then gives way to bright yellow stamens. They are sweetly scented and produced very freely all along long, arching branches. Foliage is crisp, profuse and mid- to dark green. The plant is not over-thorny and very healthy, tolerating even the poorest of soils. It makes a good informal hedge and, because of its tolerance of shade, will also do well as a woodland plant, looking especially effective in groups of five or more.

Book  (1996)  Page(s) 13.  Includes photo(s).
 
Complicata Gallica shrub... not at all typical of gallica roses, as it bears large, pink, pale-centred flowers... The origin of this rose is unknown; perhaps it has some R. canina or R. macrantha in it...

Book  (1996)  Page(s) 79.  
 
'Complicata'. Other name: R. gallica complicata. The outstanding feature of this age-old variety is the size of the blooms which appear in June - 10cm or more across, single and with a pleasant if not strong perfume. The stems bearing these blooms are long and lax, and this variety is best grown next to an old tree so that it can clamber upwards without artificial support. It is easily rooted from cuttings. Blooms single. Pink, white eye. Slightly fragrant. Foliage light green. Introduction unknown. Type: Gallica. Growth type: Arching. Flowering period: Midsummer. Height: 2m x 2.5m.

Book  (1995)  Page(s) 34-35.  Includes photo(s).
 
[Of the author's fifty favorite roses...] Description... for long described as a Gallica, although the typical Gallica is a fairly upright, twiggy shrub of only moderate size. Does not appear to be in any of the old books.

Book  (1995)  Page(s) 63.  Includes photo(s).
 
'Complicata'. Origin: Europe 20th century. Height: 6ft / 1.8m. The origins of this rose are obscure; it is certainly very close to some wild parentage and is possibly a cross between the two European natives, R. gallica and the dog rose R. canina. From these it inherits its wild vigour, while its flowers resemble those of R. gallica but are much more graceful. They open in June from shapely pointed buds and are single, 3in / 8cm across, a warm pink fading to a much paler centre with profuse egg-yolk yellow stamens. The flowers are slightly cupped at first, with overlapping petals of very fragile appearance, but when they open fully the petals spread and twist, giving the flower a lovely character. The star shapes of the sepals and the striking bush of stamens are ornamental, and hips form while the plant is still in flower. Some roses make an immediate impact but while Complicata is scarcely shy and retiring, its full beauty and character reveal themselves gradually. It will naturally form a rather floppy bush, with slender new growth arching down to the ground. Use it in a large border, where other shrubs will provide support for 10ft / 3m stems which will then make a spectacular display. Or train it into the lower branches of a tree where its beautiful flowers will be given prominence.

Book  (Nov 1994)  Page(s) 31.  
 
p31 'Complicata'. I have been unable to find this name in any book, but it is widely known on the Continent. It is perhaps a Rosa canina or R. macrantha hybrid, with strong arching branches reaching to 5 feet in height and as much across, well clothed in large, pointed clear green leaves. The large blooms, as much as 5 inches wide, are single, of pure brilliant pink, paling to white around the circle of yellow stamens. This is without doubt one of the most strikingly beautiful of single pink roses, and is a good hearty plant. I like it mixed up with yellows such as ‘Lawrence Johnston’, the two being strong in colour and able to vie with one another. When established among other shrubs it will ramble into trees to the height of 10 feet.

p180. I mentioned this rose in chapter 3 in connection with the Gallicas. In the light sandy soil in my garden, in close competition with a privet hedge, it has succeeded with a little help in climbing up to 10 feet into an apple tree, and creates a superb display every season. It should be in every garden where shrubs are grown, and will make a handsome solid bush if left to its own devices. Flowers 5 inches across, single shapely, of bright, clear pink, borne on large arching sprays. Sweetly scented. When in full flower, no shrub is more spectacular. Normally about 5 feet high and 8 feet wide.