Alphabetical Plant Listing

Rosa californica (California Wild Rose)

California Rose, California Wildrose, Rosa aldersonii, Wild Roses, Shrub Roses


Remarkably robust, Rosa californica (California Wild Rose) is a semi-deciduous shrub adorned with prickly branches clothed with bright green, pinnately divided leaves. It is covered with a plentiful array of fragrant, single, open-faced, flat pink flowers, 1-2 in. across (2-5 cm), with yellow central stamens. Blooming from late spring to late summer, the 5-petaled flowers range from pale pink to deep magenta. Borne singly or in clusters, they are followed by berry-like fruits that are as pretty as the flowers themselves. The bright red rose-hips, provide a beautiful contrast against the foliage which is evergreen in mild winter climates. If left on the shrub, they might persist into winter to the delight of hungry birds who will feast on the colorful hips during the winter months. California Wild Rose spreads by suckering roots, as far as space and moisture permit, to form broad thickets. It is often used as a spiny hedge in a garden where it can roam freely to form a large thicket. Adaptable, it can survive drought, but may go summer dormant if it does not get enough water.

  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
  • Best grown in full sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of clay soils and drought. Note that best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. Water maximum 3 times per month in summer after the plant is established.
  • Low maintenance if planted where it can spread freely. If used in a small garden, it may require regular pruning to keep the plant from spreading. It can be pruned as aggressively as desired in winter.
  • Perfect for foundations, banks and slopes (erosion control), or flowering hedges.
  • Attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies and birds
  • Do not remove spent flowers if you want to enjoy a beautiful crop of orange-red hips in fall and winter.
  • Propagate by seed or offsets. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate. Small offsets from the parent root transplant well.
  • Native to California, Oregon and the northern part of Baja California.

Not sure which Rosa - Roses to pick?
Compare All Rosa - Roses

Buy Rosa californica (California Wild Rose)

Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosa - Shrub Roses, Rosa - Roses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spacing 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rosa - Shrub Roses

Guides with Rosa - Shrub Roses

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rosa - Roses

Guides with Rosa - Roses


Peggy A. Lopipero-Langmo, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosa - Shrub Roses, Rosa - Roses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spacing 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rosa - Shrub Roses

Guides with Rosa - Shrub Roses

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rosa - Roses

Guides with Rosa - Roses

Plant Calculator

How many Rosa californica (California Wild Rose) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Rosa californica (California Wild Rose)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.