Commonly called the “pasture rose,” Rosa carolina is a low-growing shrub which is generally upright, but may sprawl if the plants grow taller than 3 or 4 feet. In early summer it bears an abundance of 2-3 inch wide bright pink flowers …
Commonly called the “pasture rose,” Rosa carolina is a low-growing shrub which is generally upright, but may sprawl if the plants grow taller than 3 or 4 feet. In early summer it bears an abundance of 2-3 inch wide bright pink flowers with yellow centers. The blooms are more plentiful in full sun, but this native rose is also more shade tolerant than most. Strongly serrate dark green leaves are a distinctive feature, and the stems are prickly with straight needle-like thorns. A deep taproot makes this rose very drought tolerant. It also produces shallow rhizomes and can spread vegetatively to form small colonies.
Native roses are visited by an array of pollinating insects, as they have easy access to pollen from the large-petalled landing pads. Both Rosa carolina and Rosa blanda are possible host plants for the Apple Sphinx moth, the Blinded Sphinx, Auotmeris Io moth, and the Cecropia moth. The bright red rosehips are a popular source of food for fruit-loving birds. Rosehips are high in vitamin C and can be used in teas.
Planting and Cultivation Notes
Mulch can be applied to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Pruning can be done in late winter to early spring. Good air circulation will help support the natural disease resistance of this species.
Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.
Plant Shipping Rates: Plant orders of $50.00 and under, add $9.95 shipping charge. Plant orders over $50.00, add 18% of the total plant cost.
We ship plants in the spring, and in the fall, during our plant-shipping periods. Fall plant-shipping begins on September 11, 2023, and the last day to order plants for fall shipment is October 1, 2023.
During checkout, you will choose a Shipping Week for your plant delivery, from the dates that are available. The week that you choose will be included in your order confirmation email. When your plants have shipped you will receive another email that includes tracking information.
GENERAL SHIPPING INFORMATION
We are not able to combine a new order with a previous order, for shipping.
Plants and Seeds are shipped separately and have different shipping rates.
We are not able to arrange orders for pick-up at the Nursery. All orders are shipped.
RESTRICTIONS
Plants and Seeds are shipped within the contiguous United States, only.
Due to agricultural restrictions we no longer ship to the following states: Idaho, Utah.
I am considering planting Carolina Rose in a very sandy area close to lake Michigan which has just been cleared of diseased pines. There are a lot thistles in this area and heavy deer pressure. Do you think Carolina rose would do well here with a western exposure? I am also considering grey dogwood and roughleaf dogwood. Any thoughts?
The Carolina Rose is worth trying in your situation. If you have dry sandy, very quick draining soil, make sure to mulch it and keep it watered while getting established. Carolina rose is pretty adaptable to dry sites, but it does like consistent moisture, so we recommend keeping it mulched. As for the Dogwoods, we don't carry either of those, but the Gray Dogwood is the more tolerant of dry sites. Dogwoods usually like moisture. Other Shrubs you could consider: New Jersey Tea and Northern Bush Honeysuckle are both low-growing and do very well in dry conditions, but they are not deer resistant. Bearberry is a deer resistant sub-shrub/groundcover that is found growing in such environments. In the Lake Michigan dunes one may also commonly find deer resistant plants such as Dotted Mint,Rough Blazingstar, and other dry site loving species. Little bluestem and Purple Lovegrass are grasses to consider.
Does the Carolina Rosa do well in large planter?
This is something that we have not tried, and for that reason we can't recommend it. Carolina Rose can get quite large as you can see from the description (up to 5'), and could easily outgrow a planter over time. However, it could very well be fine. If you decide to try it, use the largest size planter you can find. A 20'w x 20h container would give it some room to grow. Very regular watering would also be needed. If you do decide to try it, we would be interested to know how well it fared.
What size is this shrub when shipped?
Our potted shrubs are between 1' and 2' high when shipped. The root is well developed and the plants have established branching. This shrub is in a one gallon (or #1) container, which is approximately 7" deep x 6.5" wide at the top.
Should this shrub be planted in spring or fall?
This shrub can be successfully planted in either spring or fall. See Tips for Planting in Fall for more informtation about planting perennials (including shrubs) in the fall. Information on How to Plant Shrubs is also available in our Resource & Guides pages.
Does this rose have a scent?
Carolina Rose does have a scent. It is said to be more fragrant than other wild native roses. While the scent of native roses is aromatic and very attractive to pollinators, it is not as prominent as the old world rose cultivars that are famous for their scent.
Is this a deciduous shrub?
Yes, Rosa Carolina is deciduous.
Does this native rose produce hips if I have only one plant?
Native roses (Rosa carolina and Rosa blanda) have perfect flowers (individual flowers contain both male and female structures) and will produce rosehips with only one plant.
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