Prickly rose
Rosa acicularis · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around prickly rose and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Mature size
- 0.6 to 1.5 m in height × 0.8 to 1.2 m in width
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to −40 °C)
- Origin
- Boreal regions of Asia, North America, and Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral
- Exposure
- Full sun (minimum 6 hours)
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to ensure establishment. Once established, the acicularis rose is very tolerant of drought thanks to its deep roots. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Avoid stagnant moisture at the base.
Exposure
Place the rose in full sun, minimum 6 hours daily, for abundant flowering. This exposure also strengthens disease resistance. Light afternoon shade in very hot climates is tolerated but not recommended.
Pruning and shaping
Perform light pruning in spring (after the last frosts) to remove dead wood and open up the shrub. Remove the oldest third of branches. Severe pruning would slow growth. Let the plant develop naturally as a shrub.
Fertilizing
An application of well-decomposed compost in early spring is generally sufficient. Supplement with balanced fertilizer in May-June if soil is poor. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil preparation and improvement
Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting. Ensure optimal drainage by adding gravel or sand if soil is clayey. A 5 cm mulch layer will protect the roots in winter and maintain moisture.
Diseases and pests
This is a very robust variety, rarely affected by serious diseases. Occasionally watch for powdery mildew in humid climates (improve air circulation through pruning). Aphids may appear in spring (rinse with water or insecticidal soap if necessary). Chemical treatment generally not required.
Did you know?
The acicularis rose owes its name to the small sharp needles that densely cover its stems, giving it a distinctive prickly appearance. Native to the coldest regions of the northern hemisphere, it is considered one of the most hardy wild roses in the world and served as the basis for creating the first roses that were extremely resistant to Siberian winters in the twentieth century.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Cherry treePrunus avium
- Apple treeMalus domestica
- BlackthornPrunus spinosa
- Salad burnetPoterium sanguisorba
- Bird cherryPrunus padus
- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.