Downy Rose
rosa villosa
Also known as: ["Hairy Rose","Velvety Rose"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with pink flowers and hairy stems, native to Europe and Asia.
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 villosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- 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; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and vigor; remove up to one-third of old growth annual
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); partial shade in extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates winter cold but requires protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize after pruning; water before and after applying fertilizer; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Cut below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins; hardwood cuttings can be taken in late autumn or winter.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) are ideal.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or a specialized rooting medium.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for higher success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut just above an outward-facing bud; remove crossing branches; thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to encourage bushy growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant for better air circulation and flowering.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, gloves, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage deep roots; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion in response to temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dormancy or damage tender growth; frost can kill young shoots or flowers.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover plants during frost events; move potted roses indoors or to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; heat stress weakens the plant over time.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; water thoroughly after application; follow seasonal schedule.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a rose-specific formula every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRosa villosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRosa villosa is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines when ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicRosa villosa, commonly known as the hairy rose, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rosa villosa suitable for beginners?
A: No, it requires moderate care and is better suited for enthusiasts.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: Yes, the pink flowers have a pleasant fragrance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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