Chestnut Rose

rosa roxburghii

Also known as: ["Chestnut Rose","Rosa roxburghii Tratt"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub rose known for its prickly stems and large, spiny fruits (hips) that resemble chestnuts.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate, focusing on removing old canes and shaping the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight. Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; monitor for leaf burn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, fertile loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures. Adjust care for extreme heat or cold.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop feeding in fall to prepare for dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 6–8 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.
  6. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand. Rooting hormone is recommended.

Hormone

Yes, use rooting hormone to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags for humidity.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut canes back to healthy buds; thin out crowded growth; remove crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or diseased wood annually to improve air circulation and encourage healthy growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/diseased wood; shape for airflow.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container to refresh soil and provide space.

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.

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 active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure proper aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion in extreme temperatures.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if prolonged below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors; use frost cloth for outdoor protection.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use evaporative cooling methods like misting.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and early summer. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during active growth. Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Rosa roxburghii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Rosa roxburghii can result from water stress, either due to under- or overwatering, or root damage from pathogens like Phytophthora, leading to reduced water absorption and transport.

Leaf spots on Rosa roxburghii are commonly caused by fungal pathogens such as Diplocarpon rosae (black spot) or Cercospora, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can affect Rosa roxburghii due to fungal pathogens like Armillaria or Fusarium, often exacerbated by poor drainage, causing decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Similar to dogs, the seeds of Rosa roxburghii can be slightly toxic to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. The physiological impact is typically mild but can cause gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Prevent cats from consuming large quantities of the fruit; remove seeds before offering the fruit to cats.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Rosa roxburghii contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. The physiological impact is generally mild but can cause gastrointestinal upset.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Keep pets from consuming large amounts of the fruit; remove seeds before offering the fruit to dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Rosa roxburghii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. The physiological impact is minimal under normal consumption.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in excessive quantities

Consume in moderation; remove seeds before eating the fruit to minimize any potential risk.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Rosa roxburghii suitable for beginners?

A: No, it requires moderate care and is better suited for enthusiasts.

Q: Are the fruits of Rosa roxburghii edible?

A: The hips are edible but should be consumed in moderation due to mild toxicity.

Q: Does Rosa roxburghii attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and hips.

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