Woods' Rose
rosa woodsii
Also known as: ["Woods Rose","Woods' Wild Rose"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to western North America, known for its pink flowers and thorny stems.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Botanical Name: | Rosa woodsii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- 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.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on plant age and desired size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and 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; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -30°F (-34°C) with protection.
Protect from late frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid late-season feeding to prevent tender growth; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may flower in the first year if conditions are ideal.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches; thin out crowded growth; cut back old stems to encourage new basal shoots.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood. Renewal pruning may be needed for older plants.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove 1/3 of old wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; inspect roots; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient winter chill.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback, reduced flowering, or winterkill if not properly mulched or protected.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base; plant in a sheltered location; use burlap screens for severe cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, bud drop, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a second light feeding after the first bloom cycle. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicRosa woodsii is slightly toxic to cats if large quantities of seeds are ingested. The cyanogenic glycosides present in the seeds can cause mild gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile Rosa woodsii is not highly toxic to dogs, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicRosa woodsii, commonly known as Woods' rose, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Woods' Rose produce edible fruits?
A: Yes, it produces rose hips that are edible and rich in vitamin C.
Q: Is this plant suitable for cold climates?
A: Yes, Woods' Rose is cold hardy and can thrive in cooler regions.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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