Commonly called the “pasture rose,” Rosa carolina is a low-growing shrub, typically around four feet high at maturity, and generally upright. 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, typically around four feet high at maturity, and generally upright. 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 will spread to form a loose thicket if left to its own devices. The rate of spreading is typically slow and rhizomatous growth can be removed on a yearly basis to control spreading. This wild rose does not need a support, but it does look great growing against a low fence!
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 host plants for large sphinx moths, such as the Apple Sphinx, the Blinded Sphinx, Automeris Io, Polyphemus, and Cecropia. The bright red rosehips, abundant at the end of the season, 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.
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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. You may also be interested in How to Plant Shrubs, 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.
How far and deep do the rhizomes spread? Could I use a barrier around the shrub?
Regarding the distance of rhizomatous spread, that can vary. This is a thicket forming shrub so the spread will remain pretty close to the original plant. It forms a "loose" thicket. The depth of shrub rhizomes, is typically not very deep. Six inches, possibly for this rose. Carolina Rose is considered to be a slow spreader, and should not be too difficult to control. It might be best in the long run to just remove rhizomatous growth as it occurs. If you use a barrier the roots may just keep growing until they find a way under it. The spreading rhizomes can be stopped by looking for the shoots and cutting them back with a shovel or pruners as needed, or once a year.
Does this rose need to be pruned to bloom? And would it work on a creek bank that floods occasionally? I am looking to add some native plants around the creek that runs through our yard, but I don't want something I will need to maintain.
Carolina Rose does not need to be pruned in order to bloom profusely. However, it will bloom more in full sun. It is taprooted, which helps it tolerate and survive occasional flooding. Also, it is known to grow along streams and in low areas, so it should do well in the conditions you describe.
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