Cherokee Rose, Three-Leaved Rose, Rosa sinica, Wild Roses, Shrub Roses
Rosa laevigata, commonly known as the Cherokee Rose, is a vigorous, semi-evergreen climbing rose native to central and southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Brought to the United States during colonial times, it was cultivated and widely distributed by the Cherokee people, which led to its common name. Known for its striking white flowers and bright orange-red hips, this sprawling rose has been celebrated for its ornamental value, cultural significance, and resilience. However, in some regions, its aggressive growth habit has raised concerns about invasiveness.
Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).
The Cherokee Rose is a vigorous, semi-evergreen climber or sprawling shrub known for its glossy trifoliate leaves and striking white flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the single, fragrant flowers feature golden stamens and are followed by distinctive pear-shaped orange-red hips that persist into winter. Its hooked thorns enable it to climb structures or spread as a dense shrub. Native to China and introduced to the U.S. during colonial times, it thrives in warm climates and adds ornamental appeal to gardens.
Rosa laevigata is native to warm, low-elevation regions in central and southern China, as well as Vietnam and Taiwan. It thrives in sunny, open areas, including fields, thickets, and farm edges. After being introduced to the southeastern United States, it naturalized and became well-suited to the region’s climate.
The Cherokee Rose is a semi-evergreen, fast-growing sprawling shrub or rambling rose capable of covering large areas or structures with its dense foliage and thorny stems.
Vigorous and adaptable, this wild rose can be trained to climb walls, arbors, or pergolas or pruned into a large, free-standing shrub.
The showy blooms of Rosa laevigata are among its most striking features. They are nicely displayed on the long, arching canes armed with recurved prickles.
The Cherokee Rose produces ornamental bright rose hips:
The glossy foliage of Rosa laevigata adds elegance to its vigorous growth:
The Cherokee Rose is winter hardy in USDA Zones 7–9, thriving in warmer climates with mild winters. It remains evergreen in the mildest regions but may lose its leaves in colder areas.
Rosa laevigata plays an important role in supporting local wildlife:
The Cherokee Rose offers a range of ornamental and functional benefits:
While the thorny stems deter most animals, young shoots and tender foliage may still be browsed by deer and rabbits.
This wild rose is non-toxic to humans and pets. Its hips are edible and nutritious.
While the Cherokee Rose is valued for its beauty and resilience, it has naturalized and become invasive in parts of the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Gardeners in regions where it is invasive should consider native or less aggressive alternatives.
Thrives in full sun for optimal flowering and disease resistance. Tolerates light shade but blooms less profusely.
Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Adapts to a variety of soil types, including poor soils. Mulch in late winter or early spring to retain moisture and improve fertility. Protect from frost and cold drying winds.
Provide regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Reapply in early summer for continued vigor.
Timing:
Routine Pruning:
Renovation Pruning:
Post-Pruning Care:
Propagate this wild rose through various methods for reliable growth:
While this wild rose is a hardy and resilient species, it can still encounter common pests and diseases that affect roses.
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.
This rose may be 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.
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Climbers, Roses |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Rambling Rose |
Common names | Rose, Cherokee Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spacing | 72" - 96" (180cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | 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 |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Climbers, Roses |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Rambling Rose |
Common names | Rose, Cherokee Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spacing | 72" - 96" (180cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | 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 |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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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.
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