Multiflora Rose, Many-Flowered Rose, Japanese Rose, Baby Rose, Bramble Rose, Wild Roses, Shrub Roses, Climbing Roses, Rosa polyantha
Rosa multiflora, commonly known as the Multiflora Rose, is a fast-growing, sprawling shrub native to East Asia. Initially introduced to North America in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses, it gained widespread use in the mid-20th century as a “living fence” for livestock, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. However, its aggressive growth habit and ability to form dense thickets have rendered it invasive in many regions. Despite its ecological challenges, Rosa multiflora’s abundant white flowers and bright red hips provide ornamental appeal and wildlife value.
Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).
Rosa multiflora is a large, rambling deciduous shrub with arching stems covered in curved prickles. Its pinnately compound leaves consist of 7–9 toothed leaflets, giving the foliage a somewhat dull green appearance. The plant is adorned with clusters of slightly fragrant, small white flowers with prominent yellow stamens. These blooms appear in early summer and are carried in pyramidal clusters of up to 30 blossoms, nearly covering the foliage when in full bloom. The flowers are followed by pea-sized, round red hips that persist into winter, offering food for birds and wildlife.
The multiflora Rose is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, where it thrives in diverse habitats, including forest edges, riverbanks, and open meadows. It was introduced to other regions, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has become naturalized.
This large scrambling shrub or rambling rose exhibits a sprawling, climbing habit and can grow into dense, impenetrable thickets. Its long, arching canes root wherever they touch the ground, enabling it to spread rapidly. This growth habit makes it a formidable invader in pastures and natural areas, but it can also serve as an ornamental feature in managed landscapes.
With proper pruning, this wild rose can be managed in smaller spaces, but its natural tendency is to spread extensively.
The flowers of the multiflora Rose are small but produced in great abundance, creating a spectacular display:
The profuse flowering creates a stunning effect, nearly obscuring the foliage during peak bloom.
The bright red rose hips of this wild rose are both decorative and functional:
The foliage of Rosa multiflora provides a subtle backdrop to its flowers and hips:
This wild rose thrives in USDA Zones 5-9, showcasing its adaptability to a wide range of climates and conditions.
The Multiflora Rose plays a significant role in supporting wildlife, although its invasive nature can disrupt native ecosystems.
While beneficial to some wildlife, its dominance often comes at the expense of native plants and habitats.
Rosa multiflora has both practical and ornamental applications, despite its invasive tendencies:
Gardeners should weigh these benefits against its potential to invade and dominate surrounding areas.
While the thorny stems deter most animals, young shoots and tender foliage may still be browsed by deer and rabbits.
Rosa multiflora is non-toxic to humans and pets. Its hips are edible and nutritious.
Rosa multiflora is classified as a noxious weed in many regions, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Gardeners are advised to avoid planting Rosa multiflora in regions where it is invasive and instead consider native alternatives.
Rosa multiflora thrives in full sun for optimal flowering and growth but can tolerate partial shade.
This adaptable rose grows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. It tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Provide regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
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 |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa |
Common names | Rose, Multiflora Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 18' (240cm - 5.5m) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa |
Common names | Rose, Multiflora Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Late), Fall |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 18' (240cm - 5.5m) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
How many Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa multiflora (Multiflora 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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