Rosa moyesii (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 4m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Rosa moyesii is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with an spreading arching habit. Its dark green leaves are odd pinnate, up to 13cm long with up to 11 leaflets. Its leaflets are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 5cm long and 2.5cm broad. Its red/ brown stems are quite thorny. Its red flowers are single, contain five petals, are up to 6cm across. Its fruit is a orange/ red bottle shaped elongated hip.
Rosa moyesii Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rosa moyesii, commonly known as Mandarin Rose, is native to west China. In its native habitat it grows on scrubby slopes.
The etymological root of the binomial name Rosa is from the ancient Latin name for the rose. Moyesii is named after Rev. James Moyes (1876-1930).
The landscape architect may find Rosa moyesii useful as an effective informal barrier or hedge.
Ecologically, Rosa moyesii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its hips are attractive to birds during the winter months.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Rosa moyesii ‘Geranium’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Rosa moyesii Leaf (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rosa moyesii prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Rosa moyesii requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out once flowering is complete. Obviously if pruning is carried out after flowering no hips will follow.