Burnet Rose Rosa spinosissima 'Andrewsii'
ABOUT
The Rosa spinosissimi 'Andrewsii', commonly known as the Scotch Rose, is distinguished by its dense and thorny stems, which give it a robust and sturdy appearance. It's adorned with small, dark green, and glossy leaves that have a fern-like texture, providing a lush background for the flowers and adding to the plant's overall hardy character. The blooms of the Scotch Rose are its most captivating feature. They are typically pure white, with subtle cream or pale yellow hints at their centers, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise cool-toned petals. The flowers are semi-double, meaning they have two or more rows of petals but are not as fully packed as fully double roses. This gives them a delicate charm and a more open look, showcasing their golden stamens prominently in the center. Like little floral tapestries, the blossoms envelop the plant during its peak season, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage. After the flowering season, the plant produces small, round black or purplish fruits that are attractive to birds and other wildlife, adding further interest to the plant's appearance and merging beauty with functionality in the garden. Overall, the Scotch Rose has a natural and somewhat wild look, making it a lovely choice for gardens where a less formal appearance is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Scotch Rose, Burnet Rose, Andrews' Rose.
Common names
Rosa pimpinellifolia 'Andrewsii', Rosa spinosissima var. altaica (Andrews) Regel, Rosa altaica Andrews.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Scots Rose is not considered toxic to humans. It does not contain substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. If a person were to ingest a large amount of the plant and experience symptoms, it's likely such symptoms would result from mild gastrointestinal upset rather than poisoning. Therefore, serious consequences or symptoms of poisoning from ingesting Scots Rose are not typically a concern.
To pets
Scots Rose is not recognized as toxic to pets either. It should not cause serious harm to cats, dogs, or other household animals if they happen to ingest parts of the plant. As with humans, the primary concern might be minor gastrointestinal upset if a pet eats a significant quantity of the plant. Poisoning with severe symptoms is unlikely. However, pet owners should always be vigilant and consult a veterinarian if any unusual behavior or signs of distress are observed after their pet has ingested plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa spinosissima 'Andrewsii', commonly known as Burnet Rose, offers beautiful, semi-double white flowers with a golden yellow center, enhancing the visual attraction of gardens.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides food for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is a hardy shrub that requires minimal care, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Durable: It is resistant to many diseases that commonly affect roses, which makes it a more durable choice for gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of dryness once established, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Tolerant of Various Soils: This plant is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, even tolerating some degree of poor soil quality.
- Wind Resistance: It is capable of withstanding windy conditions, which is beneficial in coastal areas or exposed sites.
- Erosion Control: The plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its spreading habit and root system.
- Seasonal Interest: This rose provides seasonal interest with its flowers in spring and early summer and sometimes hips in the autumn.
- Privacy and Screening: It can be used to create informal hedges or screens, providing privacy in gardens and landscapes.
- Diversity in Planting Design: The Burnet Rose adds to the diversity of planting designs with its unique foliage texture and flowering habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The canes of Scotch Rose can be used in basketry and weaving, providing a natural and sturdy material for craftspeople.
- With its dense and spiky growth habit, Scotch Rose can be planted as an effective barrier to deter unwanted wildlife or human intrusion.
- The petals of Scotch Rose can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, offering shades from pale yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- Scotch Rose hips, which are the fruit of the plant, can be used in jams, jellies, and syrups due to their high vitamin C content and unique flavor.
- The plant's roots can be used as a natural source of tannin, which is useful in leather tanning processes.
- Scotch Rose can be utilized in landscape design to create a textured and layered effect, particularly in cottage or wildlife gardens.
- Dried petals and hips of the Scotch Rose can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a subtle fragrance to a room.
- The Scotch Rose can be used in educational settings, such as botanical gardens, to demonstrate plant adaptation and evolution, including defense mechanisms like thorns.
- The thorny branches of the Scotch Rose can be used to create rustic garden supports for climbing plants, blending aesthetics with functionality.
- Photographers and artists may use Scotch Rose as a subject or backdrop in their work to capture its natural beauty and intricate details.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scotch Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scotch Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa spinosissima 'Andrewsii', commonly known as the Scotch Rose, is a symbol of love in many cultures, representing deep affection and romantic feelings.
- Beauty: The Scotch Rose, with its striking flowers, is often associated with beauty and perfection, frequently depicted in art and literature.
- Innocence: White roses, in general, convey innocence and purity, and the 'Andrewsii' variety might carry this symbolism due to its light-colored blooms.
- Protection: The thorns of the Scotch Rose could symbolize protection and defense against harm, embodying the balance between beauty and safety.
WaterThe Scotch Rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Aim to water the plant every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase to every 4 to 5 days. It's important not to overwater, as Scotch Roses do not like to sit in soggy soil. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightThe Scotch Rose thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A location that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade is ideal, especially in regions with very hot summers.
TemperatureThe Scotch Rose is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions that are not excessively hot. Ideally, daytime temperatures should be between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and maximum temperatures up to approximately 90°F.
PruningPrune the Scotch Rose to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out crowded branches to allow light and air to reach the center of the plant. Prune immediately after flowering if the plant blooms on old wood, as cutting later can remove next year's flower buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Scotch Rose prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for drainage creates an ideal soil mix for this plant. Optimal soil pH for Scotch Rose is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingScotch Roses seldom need repotting since they're usually grown as outdoor shrubs. However, if grown in containers, repot them every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingScotch Rose thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require specific humidity adjustments, making it adaptable to natural conditions without the need for special humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, maintain moist soil, keep cool in winter.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, mulch, prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleRosa spinosissima 'Andrewsii', commonly known as Burnet Rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination in the spring, given appropriate temperatures and soil conditions. The seedlings develop into young plants with thorny canes and pinnate leaves over the growing season. In late spring to early summer, mature plants produce fragrant, white or pale pink flowers, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small, blackish-purple fruits called hips in late summer to fall. These hips contain seeds which, if not harvested by wildlife or humans, may drop to the ground and go through a period of dormancy during winter. With the return of spring, seeds that have been stratified by the cold winter begin a new cycle of growth. Throughout its lifetime, which can span several decades, the plant continues to grow and spread, often through suckering, forming a dense thicket if not pruned and managed.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Rosa spinosissima 'Andrewsii', commonly known as Scotch Rose, can be propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This process is ideally carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender but sufficiently matured. To propagate by cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering shoots of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Cut just below a node and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes where roots will form. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development and insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, indirect light until rooting occurs, which is typically in a few weeks, after which it can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.
