Yellow Rose

rosa xanthina

Also known as: ["Canary Bird Rose","Chinese Yellow Rose"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub rose known for its vibrant yellow flowers and vigorous growth habit.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • 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. Deadhead after flowering as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
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 full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), black spots on leaves (fungal disease), or stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun for best blooms; partial shade acceptable; protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly 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; maintain pH 6.0–7.0.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but requires protection from extreme heat.

Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; mulch in winter.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring and after blooming; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in early summer.

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

Best Time: Early summer when new growth is mature but still vigorous.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright, indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.

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 favorable.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back old or weak canes to the base; deadhead spent blooms just above the first fiveleaflet leaf.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage airflow, and remove dead or weak growth. Deadheading spent blooms promotes continuous flowering.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers (for thick canes), gloves, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune in late winter/early spring; remove dead/weak canes; deadhead after blooming.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Young plants may need repotting annually.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; 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 before nightfall. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and 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 well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud formation in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, bud abortion, and stem dieback, especially in young or weak plants.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect with burlap screens in exposed locations; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; increase air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring/after bloom; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Repeat lightly after the first bloom cycle. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth susceptible to frost.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Rosa xanthina may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can compromise the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Rosa xanthina is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and eventual plant decline if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Rosa xanthina are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Rosa xanthina is commonly caused by overwatering or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Rosa xanthina is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce toxic effects when ingested by felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

The plant is safe for cats, though caution should be taken to prevent ingestion of thorns.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Rosa xanthina is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the plant material, including petals and leaves, does not produce toxic effects in canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

The plant is safe for dogs, though ingestion of thorns may cause mechanical injury.
Humans
Non-toxic

The thorns of Rosa xanthina can cause mechanical injury, but the plant itself is not toxic to humans. No significant physiological effects are associated with ingestion or contact with non-thorny parts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
minor skin irritation puncture wounds
🌿 Toxic Parts:
thorns
⚡ Toxic If:

if touched

Handle with care to avoid thorn injuries; otherwise, the plant poses no toxic risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Rosa xanthina suitable for beginners?

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

Q: Does Rosa xanthina attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.

Q: How toxic is Rosa xanthina to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so ingestion should be avoided.

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