Create Your Garden

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ (China Rose)

Rose 'Hermosa', China Roses, Shrub Roses

Rosa Hermosa, Rose Hermosa, China Rose, Pink Rose, Pink Roses
Rosa Hermosa, Rose Hermosa, China Rose, Pink Rose, Pink Roses

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ is a beloved heirloom rose celebrated for its abundant, delicate pink blooms, long flowering season, and compact growth habit. Introduced in 1840 by Jean-Baptiste Guillot, this China Rose has captured the hearts of gardeners for generations. Its graceful blooms and strong fragrance, combined with its resilience, make it an ideal choice for gardens of all sizes.

Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).


Description

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ is a compact, deciduous shrub rose that produces abundant, soft pink, fully double blooms. Renowned for its repeat-flowering ability and sweet fragrance, it is perfect for adding charm and elegance to any garden.


Native Habitat

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ belongs to the China rose lineage, a group of roses originally native to subtropical regions of China. China roses, including Rosa chinensis, were brought to Europe in the 18th century and became the foundation for many modern rose hybrids. ‘Hermosa’ embodies the best qualities of its lineage, with graceful blooms and a long flowering season.


Plant Type and Habit

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ is a deciduous shrub with a bushy, upright growth habit. Its neat and compact structure makes it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or formal borders.


Plant Size

Height: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm)
Width: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm)

This moderate size allows Rosa ‘Hermosa’ to fit beautifully into a variety of garden settings, from cottage gardens to urban balconies.


Flowers

The blooms of Rosa ‘Hermosa’ are its defining feature:

  • Color: Soft pink with a subtle lilac undertone, slightly darker on the outer petals, creating a delicate contrast as the flowers mature.
  • Size: Medium-sized blooms, measuring approximately 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in diameter, packed with 35 petals.
  • Shape: Fully double, cup-shaped blooms arranged in clusters, showcasing a refined and classic elegance.
  • Fragrance: Lightly scented, with a gentle sweetness that adds charm without overpowering.
  • Blooming Season: Repeat-blooming from late spring to fall, with a nearly continuous display of flowers ensuring lasting beauty.

Foliage

The foliage consists of medium green, slightly glossy leaves that provide a lovely contrast to the vibrant pink blooms. The pinnate leaves are smooth and elegant, enhancing the rose’s overall ornamental appeal.


Hardiness

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ thrives in USDA Zones 6–9, tolerating mild winters and warm, sunny climates. Its adaptability and robust nature make it a reliable performer in diverse growing conditions.


Uses

Rosa ‘Hermosa’ is valued for its versatility and aesthetic appeal:

  • Cottage and Informal Gardens: Adds romantic charm to traditional garden settings.
  • Formal Borders and Beds: Enhances structured garden designs with its compact habit and abundant blooms.
  • Container Gardening: Ideal for pots and planters due to its manageable size.
  • Cut Flowers: Its fragrant, elegant blooms are perfect for floral arrangements.
  • Historical Gardens: A favorite among enthusiasts of heirloom roses.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Although not entirely immune, its thorny stems can deter deer and rabbits to some extent.


Toxicity

This rose is non-toxic to humans and pets. Its petals are even edible and commonly used in culinary and decorative applications.


Invasiveness

This old garden rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it remains easy to manage.

Rosa Hermosa, Rose Hermosa, China Rose, Pink Rose, Pink Roses


Rose Bush Care: How to Grow Healthy, Beautiful Heirloom Roses

Light Requirement

This rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, but reduced sunlight may lead to fewer blooms.


Soil

Plant in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal. Amending the soil with compost improves fertility and promotes healthy growth.


Water

Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.


Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps maintain soil fertility.


Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or weak canes. During the growing season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.


Propagation

Propagate this China rose using several methods:

  • Softwood Cuttings: Take cuttings in early to mid-spring when new growth is tender.
  • Hardwood Cuttings: Collect mature, dormant stems for propagation in late summer to autumn.
  • Chip Budding: Perform chip budding in summer to graft a bud onto a rootstock for successful reproduction.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:

Pest Resistance

This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.

Prevention and Care

Regular monitoring, proper pruning, and ensuring good air circulation can minimize risks. Applying organic pest control measures and treating fungal infections early with fungicides are essential to maintaining healthy roses.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
Not sure which Rosa (Shrub Roses) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar)
Rosa ‘Cramoisi Superieur’ (China Rose)
Rosa ‘Belvedere’ (Rambling Rose)
Rosa ‘Queen of Denmark’ (Damask Rose)
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ (Green Rose)
Rosa ‘Jacques Cartier’ (Hybrid Perpetual Rose)
View All Our Rosa - Shrub Rose

Recommended Companion Plants

Nepeta racemosa (Catmint)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Delphinium
Digitalis (Foxglove)
Paeonia (Peonies)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Drift Roses: The Perfect Rose for Small Spaces and Big Impact
Wild Rose Varieties: Nature’s Timeless Beauty
China Rose: The Flower That Revolutionized Gardens
Heirloom Roses: Timeless Beauties for Your Garden
Rose Hips: Benefits, Uses, and Fun Facts
Rose Oil: A Luxurious Elixir for Beauty and Wellness
The Power of Roses: Rose Water, Rose Syrup, Rose Oil, and Rose Hips
How to Make Rose Water Naturally: A Beginner’s Guide
Rose Water: Benefits, Uses, and How to Make It at Home
20 Orange Roses: A Burst of Sunshine for Your Garden
13 Beautiful Purple Roses to Add Elegance to Your Garden
Blue Roses: From Ancient Myths to Modern Science
White Rose Fun Facts: Everything You Didn’t Know
28 Beautiful White Roses to Illuminate Your Garden and Home
White Roses Meaning: From Romance to Remembrance
How to Choose the Best Yellow Rose for Your Garden
38 Beautiful Yellow Roses to Enrich Your Garden and Home
Yellow Roses Meaning: More Than Just a Pretty Flower
Pink Rose: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew
Pink Roses Meaning: From June Birth Flower to Garden Favorites
50 Pink Roses to Add Grace, Fragrance, and Romance to Your Garden
Black Roses: Symbolism, Varieties, and Growing Tips
Rose Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Roses
39 Stunning Red Roses to Enrich Your Garden
Symbolism of Red Roses: A History of Love and Passion
Top 70 Summer Flowers to Brighten Your Garden and Home
50 Best Fall Flowers for Your Autumn Garden
50 California Wildflowers: From Desert Blooms to Coastal Gems
50 Colorado Wildflowers to Know and Love
Top 50 Most Beautiful Flowers Worldwide
Edible Flowers for Cocktails: Top Picks for Beautiful and Flavorful Sips
Edible Flowers for Cakes: A Guide to Stunning Floral Decorations
54 Black Flowers and Plants: Add Drama to Your Garden
45 Yellow Flowers: Radiant Blooms for Every Season
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Rosa (Rose)
June Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
Underplanting Roses – Companion Plants for Roses
Edible Flowers: 30 Beautiful Blooms to Grow for Garden and Table
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 1)
Underplanting Roses with Low-Growing Spring Bulbs
Great Colorful Rose Companion Plants
Great Foliage Plants as Rose Companions
Best English Roses for Partial Shade
Great Rose Companion Plants: Geraniums
Great Rose Companion Plants: Allium
Great Rose Companion Plants: Nepeta, Salvia and Lavandula
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 3)
Combining Roses and Clematis
Combine Late-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Pretty Roses and Clematis Combination Ideas (Part 2)
Combine Early-Flowering Clematis with your Climbing Roses
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa canina (Briar Rose)
Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)
Best English Roses for Pots and Containers
Most Fragrant English Roses
Best English Roses for Cutting from the Garden
Best David Austin Roses for the Southeast
Best David Austin Roses for Southern California
Best David Austin Roses for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in the Midwest
Best David Austin Roses for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in New England
Best English Roses for Mixed Borders
Main Rose Types for your Garden
All America Rose Selections Winners
Pretty Climbing Roses for your Garden
Climbing or Rambler Roses for my Garden?
Pretty Rambler Roses for your Garden
Best English Roses for Hedges
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your English Roses
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
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.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
Not sure which Rosa (Shrub Roses) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Rosa ‘Hermosa’ (China Rose) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Rosa ‘Hermosa’ (China Rose) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    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!

    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!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone