Sarcopoterium spinosum
sarcopoterium spinosum
Also known as: ["Prickly Rose","Spiny Rose"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by spiny stems and small, hairy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Sarcopoterium |
| Botanical Name: | Sarcopoterium spinosum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or xeriscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix works well.
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 the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid placing near large windows with direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; use raised beds for better drainage; topdress with gravel for surface drainage.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in arid, Mediterranean climates.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; use a low-nitrogen formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root most reliably.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to shape the plant and improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead or diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly 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 directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf yellowing in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold can lead to root rot.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors during frost; use frost cloth for outdoor protection; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; may enter dormancy if watered improperly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; use correct dilution; avoid overfertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSarcopoterium spinosum is slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The berries and leaves contain tannins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion may lead to mild discomfort or digestive issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSarcopoterium spinosum can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The berries and leaves contain tannins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion may lead to mild discomfort or digestive issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicSarcopoterium spinosum, commonly known as spiny burnet, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The plant is not known to produce any significant toxic compounds that would pose a health risk under normal circumstances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sarcopoterium spinosum suitable for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant and well-suited for xeriscaping.
Q: Does Sarcopoterium spinosum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How should Sarcopoterium spinosum be pruned?
A: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
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