Also Known As:  'York et Lancastre', 'Versicolor'
ntroduced:  mid 16th century or prior
Class:  Damask
Zones:  5-10
Parentage:  Unknown
Flowers:  Pink and white; Double
Size:  5 feet
Fragrance:  Good
Of note:  Historic rose.

'York and Lancaster' is a shrub which rosarians who are searching for roses with a bit of history attached would surely want to include in their collection.

There are varying stories about the 'York and Lancaster Rose'. During the War of the Roses the Family of York chose the white Rosa alba and the Family of Lancaster chose the dark pink/red Rosa officinalis (Apothecary's Rose) as their emblems. Another tale told is that the wars did not end until the factions found a rose in the English countryside with both white and red roses - the 'York and Lancaster rose'. Bear in mind that the 'York and Lancaster' was discovered sometime around 1550 or prior (some say 1551, some say there is evidence of earlier introduction), and the War of the Roses occupied England during the 1400's.