Meadow Rose, also known as Early Wild Rose or Smooth Wild Rose, is a nearly thornless native rose – any thorns that occur are bristly prickles at the base of older stems, while the new and upper stems remain smooth. Broad rounded, to arching-mounded, it spreads …
Rosa blanda, commonly called Meadow Rose or Smooth Wild Rose, is a nearly thornless native rose. The upper stems and the new growth are smooth. Any thorns that occur are bristly prickles at the base of the older stems. Broad–rounded to arching–mounded, it spreads to form patches, making it a good choice for naturalizing in larger areas. Showy pink flowers are 2"–3” across with yellow centers and pleasant fragrance. Berry-like rosehip fruits turn bright red in late summer, attracting birds and a variety of wildlife. The new stems and branches are green, turning to reddish brown or reddish purple as they mature.
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 blanda and Rosa carolina are possible host plants for the Apple Sphinx moth, the Blinded Sphinx, Auotmeris Io moth, and the Cecropia moth.
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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Fall plant-shipping begins on September 9, 2024. The last day to order your plants for fall shipment is September 29.
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Meadow Rose (Rosa blanda) is also known as Smooth Wild Rose, could be more likely to experience deer browse than other wild roses because it has fewer thorns. Deer will browse the leaves, buds, and twigs of wild roses when they are tender.
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.
Is this shrub deer resistant?
This shrub is not deer resistant.
If you live in an area where deer are present, we recommend protecting any newly installed shrubs by surrounding them with a wire fencing cage, or a plastic netting to protect them from being browsed by deer and/or rabbits. Food sources can be scarce in the winter, and young shrubs are choice when when there are no tender perennials available. If you live in an urban area where there are no deer, you may have rabbits in your yard. Rabbits also browse young, newly planted shrubs when other plants are not available.
These shrubs are deer resistant: New Jersey Tea,Sweet Fern,Shrubby St. John's Wort,Carolina Rose,Purple Flowering Raspberry.
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.
What type of pruning do I need to do with this?
It is not necessary to prune native wild roses, but if space is an issue they do respond well. Prune in winter to early spring when the plant is bare. When pruning Rosa blanda, first cut out all damaged or very old canes, and remove any cane that is rubbing against another. After that, the remaining canes can be headed-back, Cutting back a third of it's height/length. This full pruning can be done every two years, or as needed. Flowering occurs on new wood -- on the new branches that emerge from the previous year’s buds along the main stem.
Do the canes turn red at some point in their development?
The new stems & branches of Rosa blanda are green and they turn a reddish color as they mature. Older canes turn gray with age.
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