Alpine Rose

rosa pendulina

Also known as: ["Alpine Wild Rose","Mountain Rose"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Europe, known for its small pink flowers and thorny stems.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, preferably on a slope or against a wall for support
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–20–30°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 organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood each year.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is best; rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

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

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

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

Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Hardy to USDA zones 4–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates cold winters.

Protect from frost, ensure good air flow, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly after pruning, avoid fertilizing in winter, and water before applying.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or layering; seeds can be used but may not retain parent traits.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Recommended for stem cuttings to improve rooting success.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a season.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray, plastic bags or propagation dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back to healthy buds, thin out crowded branches, and shape as needed.

Pruning Plan

Renewal pruning to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead/diseased wood.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, and pruning saw for large branches.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune at right time, remove dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, and water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose right pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, focusing on the root zone, and do so in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat, stunted growth in cold, or bud drop in temperature fluctuations.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause dieback in extreme cold, but typically survives winter dormancy.

Solution: Mulch heavily in fall, protect from harsh winds, and avoid overwatering during dormancy.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

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

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high nitrogen; reduce or stop in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Rosa pendulina can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or nitrogen, or may be caused by water stress, pests, or diseases like chlorosis. Persistent yellowing can lead to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Rosa pendulina is often a sign of water stress, either due to under-watering or root issues such as root rot. Prolonged wilting can cause irreversible damage to plant tissues and may lead to plant death.

Leaf spots on Rosa pendulina are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity. Severe infections can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other stressors.

Rotting in Rosa pendulina, particularly root or crown rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil. This can lead to a decline in plant health, wilting, and eventual death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Similar to dogs, ingestion of Rosa pendulina seeds by cats may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to cyanogenic glycosides. The thorns can also cause physical injury.

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

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant to avoid ingestion of seeds or injury from thorns.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Rosa pendulina contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant quantities. The thorns may also pose a physical hazard.

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

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs to prevent ingestion of seeds or accidental injury from thorns.
Humans
Non-toxic

Rosa pendulina, commonly known as Alpine 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:
nausea stomach discomfort mild diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume only the petals and hips in moderation; avoid ingesting large amounts of seeds.
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 pendulina suitable for beginners?

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

Q: Does the Alpine Rose attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: Is this plant toxic to pets?

A: Mildly toxic to dogs and cats, 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: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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