Rosa hugonis (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2.5m
Eventual Spread: 2.5m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Rosa hugonis is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with an arching habit. Its mid green leaves are odd pinnate, up to 8cm long with up to 13 leaflets. Its leaflets are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 2cm long and 12mm broad. Its red/ brown stems are quite thorny. Its yellow flowers are single, contain five petals, are up to 6cm across, have a white center with yellow stamen. Its fruit is a dark purple/ black hip which is 15mm across.
Rosa hugonis Flower (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rosa hugonis, commonly known as Father Hugo’s Rose or the Golden Rose of China, is native to China. In its native habitat it grows in thickets and forests margins.
The etymological root of the binomial name Rosa is from the ancient Latin name for the rose. Hugonis is named after Father Hugh Scallan (1851 – 1928), an Irish missionary.
The landscape architect may find Rosa hugonis useful as an effective informal barrier or hedge. This shrub is tolerant of maritime conditions.
Ecologically, Rosa hugonis is attractive to pollinating insects. Its hips are attractive to birds during the winter months.
Rosa hugonis Leaf (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rosa hugonis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This shrub will tolerate poor soils.
Rosa hugonis requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out once flowering is complete. Obviously if pruning is carried out after flowering no hips will follow.