Redleaf Rose
rosa glauca
Also known as: ["Red-leaved Rose","Redleaf Wild Rose"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub rose with distinctive blue-green foliage and pink to crimson flowers, native to central and southern Europe.
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 glauca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
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 produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is best for blooms; avoid deep shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but benefits from protection in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; water deeply in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 6–8 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall when stems are mature but still flexible.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand. Can also be rooted directly in the garden soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks. Plants can be transplanted the following spring.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use mature stems; keep cuttings humid; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes. Cut back weak growth to strong buds. Thin out crowded areas to improve airflow.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage airflow, and remove dead or weak growth. Focus on improving structure and bloom production.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers (for thick canes), gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., from 6-inch to 8-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Generally, Rosa glauca is hardy and does not require frequent repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water slowly and deeply at the root zone to encourage deep root growth. Ensure water penetrates the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
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 better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn purple or red in cold conditions. Growth slows, and buds may not open in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter. Protect with burlap screens in exposed locations. Avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in extreme heat. Blooms may fade quickly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture. Avoid fertilizing during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced formula; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRosa glauca is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce substances that are harmful to felines when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicRosa glauca is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain compounds that are harmful to canines when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicRosa glauca is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rosa glauca suitable for shade?
A: Yes, it can tolerate partial shade but thrives best in full sun.
Q: Does Rosa glauca have thorns?
A: Yes, like most roses, it has thorns along its stems.
Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: Yes, Rosa glauca produces lightly fragrant pink to crimson flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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