Sherard's Rose
rosa sherardii
Also known as: ["Sherard's Wild Rose","Sherard's Wilding"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub rose native to parts of Europe, known for its small pink flowers and thorny stems.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Botanical Name: | Rosa sherardii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, or large container
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter (compost or aged manure).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter/early spring; light pruning after first flush of flowers.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth annually.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); partial shade in hottest afternoon hours during summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH annually.
Temperature
Ideal range: 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but thrives in moderate warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth for blooming.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid fertilizing newly planted roses.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or hardwood); layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late summer for hardwood cuttings.
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 (rooting powder or liquid hormone) to improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut just above an outward-facing bud; angle cuts to promote healing; remove crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead/diseased wood; shape plant; encourage airflow and blooming.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers (for thick stems), pruning saw (for large canes), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; refresh soil to maintain fertility and drainage.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; add fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
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 fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), bud drop, stunted growth, or leaf burn.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, weakens defenses, and can lead to root damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; apply mulch to insulate roots; protect from frost with frost cloth or cloche.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicRosa sherardii is slightly toxic to cats if ingested, primarily due to the physical hazards posed by the thorns and the fibrous nature of the plant material, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile Rosa sherardii is not highly toxic to dogs, ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous content. The thorns pose a physical hazard that can cause injury to the mouth or digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicRosa sherardii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the plant's fibrous nature. The thorns can cause physical injury but do not release any toxic substances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rosa sherardii suitable for beginners?
A: No, it requires moderate care and is better suited for enthusiasts.
Q: Does this rose attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: Yes, Rosa sherardii produces fragrant pink flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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