Soft Rose

rosa mollis

Also known as: ["Hairy Rose","Downy Rose"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub rose with soft, downy leaves and fragrant pink flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and rejuvenation needs.
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 intense sunlight to avoid scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; sparse blooms suggest poor sunlight or nutrient deficiency.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense midday sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

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

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

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

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but requires protection from frost.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a fan for air circulation in hot weather; protect from late spring frosts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Fertilize after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water lightly before applying fertilizer.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for faster root development.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches; cut back old stems to encourage new growth; shape the plant as desired.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood. Renewal pruning may be needed every few years.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.

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 any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.

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 before nightfall. 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 per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or necrosis in extreme heat; bud drop or stunted growth in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop or dieback. Frost can damage buds and young shoots.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth during freezes; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce ground temperature.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Rosa mollis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or nitrogen, or may be caused by diseases like rose rust or rose mosaic virus. Environmental stress, such as overwatering or poor drainage, can also lead to chlorosis.

Wilting in Rosa mollis can result from water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root rot caused by overwatering. It may also be a symptom of vascular diseases like rose wilt, which blocks water transport.

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

Rotting in Rosa mollis is often associated with root or crown rot, typically caused by fungal pathogens like Phytophthora or Fusarium. Overly moist soil conditions exacerbate this issue, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Rosa mollis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines when ingested in normal quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from consuming large amounts of any plant material to avoid potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Rosa mollis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain substances that are harmful to canines when ingested in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent excessive consumption of any plant material, as gastrointestinal upset may occur from large quantities.
Humans
Non-toxic

Rosa mollis, commonly known as soft rose, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of any plant material should be avoided unless specifically intended for culinary use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Rosa mollis suitable for beginners?

A: It is moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for those with some gardening experience.

Q: Does Rosa mollis attract wildlife?

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

Q: Are the leaves of Rosa mollis prickly?

A: The stems are prickly, but the leaves are soft and downy.

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","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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