About
Rosa nitida, the shining rose, is a dwarf, suckering shrub producing many slender, reddish stems densely covered in fine prickles and bristles. Shiny leaves of 5�7 slender leaflets turn red, yellow and purple in autumn. Rose-pink flowers 5 cm across in summer are followed by slightly bristly, oval, red hips. A beautiful compact species rose for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Rosa, the roses, are deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs and scrambling climbers with usually thorny stems bearing pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered, five-petalled flowers in a vast range of colours and forms in summer, often followed by showy red, orange or purple hips. Indispensable garden plants for a sunny, well-drained position.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeRoses, Shrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE North America
ToxicityFruit 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
CultivationA very tolerant species which will grow in virtually any garden soil and situation except heavy shade
PruningPruning group 20 (roses). Do not prune after flowering if hips are required
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including rose aphid, the most common rose pest. May also be susceptible to rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose leaf-rolling sawfly and leaf-cutter bees. Deer and rabbits can also cause damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildews. May also be susceptible to disorders rose blindness and flower balling and sometimes honey fungus