Overview
Rosa arvensis is a climbing roses in the genus Rosa, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Rosa arvensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Rosa arvensis is a robust, thorn-covered climbing shrub characterized by long, arching stems that display a purplish hue. It produces single, creamy-white flowers that emit a mild fragrance, blooming all at once in midsummer. After flowering, the plant bears oval, orange-red hips.
About the genus
Rosa consists of either deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs and climbing plants that often feature thorny stems. The leaves are typically compound and pinnate, while the flowers can appear alone or in clusters. In certain varieties, the blooms are succeeded by prominent red or purple fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Rosa arvensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Roses
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rosa arvensis
- Cultivation
- Ideal for groundcover or rambling. Grow in full sun with shelter, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. For best flowering apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring. Tolerant of poor soil and shade; good for woodland or hedgerow planting. Good for ornamental fruits. See also rose cultivation
- Pruning
- See pruning group 17 (climbing roses)
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to mid spring, hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn or by chip budding in summer; propagate by seed; species roses can be propagated by seed but need stratification and germination may take two seasons
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly and rose leaf-rolling sawfly. Deer and rabbits can cause damage
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildew and sometimes honey fungus. May also be susceptible to disorders rose blindness and flower balling
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rosa arvensis?
Ideal for groundcover or rambling. Grow in full sun with shelter, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. For best flowering apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring. Tolerant of poor soil and shade; good for woodland or hedgerow planting. Good for ornamental fruits. See also rose cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Rosa arvensis?
Rosa arvensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rosa arvensis need?
Rosa arvensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Rosa arvensis?
See pruning group 17 (climbing roses).
How big does Rosa arvensis grow?
Rosa arvensis reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Rosa arvensis hardy in the UK?
Rosa arvensis has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Rosa arvensis?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to mid spring, hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn or by chip budding in summer; propagate by seed; species roses can be propagated by seed but need stratification and germination may take two seasons.
Is Rosa arvensis good for pollinators?
Yes — Rosa arvensis attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Rosa arvensis toxic?
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.