Rosa roxburghii (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 25m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Rosa roxburghii is a deciduous shrub with a clump forming habit. Its dark green leaves are odd pinnate, up to 11cm long with up to 15 leaflets. Its leaflets are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 2cm long and 1cm broad. Its stems are thorny and cinnamon colored bark peels in shades of beige and brown. Its fragrant pink flowers are single, contain five petals, are up to 6cm across. Its fruit are large thorny green/ red hips.
Rosa roxburghii, commonly known as Chestnut Rose, Burr Rose or the Chinquapin Rose, is native to central and east China and Japan. In its native habitat it grows in mountain forests and stream sides.
Rosa roxburghii Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Rosa is from the ancient Latin name for the rose. Roxburghii
The landscape architect may find Rosa roxburghii useful as an effective informal barrier or hedge.
Ecologically, Rosa roxburghii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its hips are attractive to birds during the winter months.
Rosa roxburghii Leaf (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rosa roxburghii prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate heavy clay and poor soils.
Rosa roxburghii requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out once flowering is complete. Obviously if pruning is carried out after flowering no hips will follow.
