Evergreen Rose

rosa sempervirens

Also known as: ["Perpetual Rose","Everlasting Rose"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa Category: Flowers

Overview

A climbing rose species native to the Mediterranean region, known for its evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Botanical Name: Rosa sempervirens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border or trellis in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade during intense summer heat or in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot regions; provide dappled shade if leaves show signs of scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun in summer; rotate plants for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids prolonged frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize before new growth emerges; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; thin out crowded stems.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or diseased wood annually; shape the plant to encourage airflow and flowering.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; remove crossing branches.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; tease out circling roots; ensure proper drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect with burlap in extreme cold; move potted plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C).

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a second light feeding after the first bloom cycle. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Rosa sempervirens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Rosa sempervirens can result from water stress, either due to drought or root rot caused by overwatering, leading to impaired water uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Rosa sempervirens are often caused by fungal pathogens such as Diplocarpon rosae (black spot) or Cercospora, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can affect Rosa sempervirens due to fungal infections like Phytophthora or overwatering, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Rosa sempervirens is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines upon ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of plant material by cats may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is best to prevent pets from consuming large quantities of any plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Rosa sempervirens is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain substances that are harmful to canines when ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, dogs should not be allowed to consume large amounts of plant material, as this may lead to mild digestive upset. Monitor pets for any unusual behavior.
Humans
Non-toxic

Rosa sempervirens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to consume only the edible parts, such as the fruits (hips), in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Rosa sempervirens suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, it is moderately easy to care for and suitable for beginners with some gardening experience.

Q: Does this rose attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.

Q: Are the leaves evergreen?

A: Yes, Rosa sempervirens retains its leaves year-round, hence the name 'Evergreen Rose'.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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