About
Large, vigorous rose, about 3m tall, with strong bristly stems bearing large hooked, translucent crimson thorns, especially noticable on young and vigorous stems, when backlit by the sun. Small white single blooms to 5cm across with yellow stamens, are produced along the branches in late spring and early summer, followed by bright orange-red, pear-shaped fruit (hips); c. fresh green ferny leaves.
About the genus
Rosa can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or scrambling climbers, with usually thorny stems bearing compound pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered flowers. Flowers may be followed by showy red or purple fruits in some varieties.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeRoses
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toHimalaya, W China
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
CultivationSuited to a wide range of situations but best in an open site in full sun, where the ruby-red young thorns can be appreciated. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil - see rose cultivation. Tolerant of poor soil and shade
PruningSee pruning group 20 (shrub roses); spring flowering, prune immediatley after flowers have faded, but do not deadhead flowers if fruit (hips) are needed
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in late summer or 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, rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose slugworm sawfly and rose leaf-rolling sawfly. Deer and rabbits can cause damage
Disease resistanceMay 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