Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Acidic to neutral
Mature Height 1-2 feet
Maintenance Level Moderate maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

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Additional Information
Growth Rate

  • Speed: Moderate grower.
  • Mature Growth: Reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, forming a bushy, rounded shrub suitable for garden borders or containers.
Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Red , White
Ornamental Berries Red berries
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant No
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction
  • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the flowers for nectar.
  • Wildlife Resistant: Thorny stems may deter deer and other browsing wildlife.
Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
Ideal For
  • Cottage gardens
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Borders and hedges
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Foundation plantings
Leaf Description
  • Color: Dark green, glossy leaves.
  • Form: Compound leaves with 5-7 oval leaflets, creating a dense, attractive backdrop for the striking blooms.
  • Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping, adding seasonal interest.
Flower Description
  • Color: Bicolor blooms with bright red edges and white centers.
  • Form: Semi-double flowers with 12-15 petals, each measuring 2-3 inches in diameter. Flowers bloom in clusters.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from late spring through fall, with multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mild fragrance, adding a subtle scent to the garden.

Pruning & Maintenance

  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season to encourage repeat flowering.
  • Method: Remove dead or damaged wood, thin out overcrowded branches, and lightly shape the plant. Regular deadheading promotes continuous blooming.
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, protect the plant by mulching around the base or wrapping it in burlap.
Water Needs

  • Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells.
  • Soil Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Light Needs

  • Light Exposure: Thrives in full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for optimal flowering and growth.
Harvesting

Harvesting Blooms

  • Timing: Harvest blooms in the early morning when they are partially open.
  • Technique: Use sharp, clean pruners to make angled cuts above a leaf node.
  • Post-Harvest Care: Immediately place cut stems in water and remove any foliage that would be submerged to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.

Harvesting Rose Hips

  • Formation: Allow some flowers to remain on the plant after blooming to develop rose hips.
  • Maturity: Harvest rose hips when they are firm and have turned a bright orange-red color, typically from mid-July through fall.

  • Usage: Rose hips are edible with a mild flavor and are high in vitamin C, making them suitable for teas and other culinary uses. 
Fertilizing

  • Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer after the first flush of blooms.
  • Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced rose fertilizer or an organic slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Additional Care Tips
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.
  • Drought Tolerance: Somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering ensures optimal growth and flowering.
  • Pests and Diseases: Resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and mildew. Good air circulation, proper pruning, and watering at the base help prevent fungal issues.
Pollination

  • Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. The flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from pollinator activity.
  • Rose Hips: Produces small rose hips in the fall, which can be left for winter interest or pruned off.
Companion Plants
  • Lavandula (Lavender)
  • Salvia
  • Nepeta (Catmint)
  • Echinacea (Coneflower)
Flowering and Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
  • Color: Bicolor blooms with bright red edges and white centers.
  • Form: Semi-double flowers with 12-15 petals, each measuring 2-3 inches in diameter. Flowers bloom in clusters.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from late spring through fall, with multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mild fragrance, adding a subtle scent to the garden.

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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