Burr rose Rosa roxburghii
ABOUT
R. roxburghii is a very prickly shrub rose, up to 5m high, with twisted stems and peeling grey-brown bark. Leaves, 5-10cm long, are made up of 9-15 leaflets, and single, lightly-fragrant pink flowers, up to 7.5cm across, appear in early summer, followed by round, prickly, yellow-orange hips
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Chestnut Rose, Burr Rose, Chinquapin Rose
Common names
Rosa crassifolia, Rosa bracteata var. crassifolia, Rosa crassifolia f. plena, Rosa crassifolia var. roxburghii, Rosa roxburghii var. normalis, Rosa roxburghii f. normalis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Rosa roxburghii, commonly known as the chestnut rose, is highly prized for its aesthetic appeal and is used as a decorative plant in gardens and landscapes.
- Edible fruit: The plant produces fruit known as rose hips, which are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and teas.
- Vitamin-rich fruit: The rose hips of the chestnut rose are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, making them beneficial for general health when consumed.
- Habitat for wildlife: The plant provides a natural habitat for various species of birds and beneficial insects, fostering biodiversity.
- Durable landscaping plant: Rosa roxburghii is known for its resilience and can thrive in a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for landscaping.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, it may help reduce oxidative stress.
- Immunity booster: The high vitamin C content could support the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Anti-aging: Potential to protect against aging due to its antioxidant content.
- Supports heart health: The plant's antioxidants may contribute to cardiovascular health.
- Anti-cancer properties: Certain extracts have been studied for their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a rootstock for grafting cultivated roses, Rosa roxburghii's strong root system is commonly used to graft other rose varieties onto it for increased vigor and disease resistance.
- Erosion control, its extensive root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in garden landscapes.
- Hedge creation, due to its thorny branches, Rosa roxburghii can be grown as a dense, spiny hedge that deters animals and intruders.
- Perfumery, though not as common as other roses, the flowers of Rosa roxburghii can be used in making scented oils and perfumes.
- Ornamental specimen, with its distinct fruit (hip) and attractive flowers, this plant is often used as a focal point in gardens and parks.
- Barrier planting, the thorny bushes can be planted to create a natural barrier around properties and gardens.
- Pot-pourri, dried petals and hips can be used to make fragrant pot-pourri blends.
- Wildlife habitat, the dense thicket of Rosa roxburghii provides shelter and nesting places for birds and small mammals.
- Educational purposes, used in botanic gardens and educational programs to demonstrate grafting techniques and plant structure.
- Culinary use, the fruit (hips) can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups, although this is less common compared to other rose species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chestnut Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chestnut Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Like many other roses, Rosa roxburghii often symbolizes love and affection due to its beautiful blooms and historical association with emotions.
- Beauty: The ornate and attractive nature of the flowers represents beauty and grace.
- Perseverance: Given its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions, it can symbolize resilience and the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
- Healing: Roses have been used in traditional medicine for their purported healing properties, making Rosa roxburghii a symbol for health and recovery.
- New beginnings: As roses bloom again each season, they can represent new starts, hope, and rejuvenation.
WaterThe Chestnut Rose should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Apply roughly 1-2 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring the water penetrates the root zone. Overhead watering should be avoided to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightThe Chestnut Rose thrives in full sun conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading or scorching.
TemperatureThe Chestnut Rose prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in winter temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid planting in areas where the temperature could exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as this can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Chestnut Rose in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant. Pruning is necessary to promote vigorous growth and enhance blooming. Cut back the plant by about one-third to a half, aiming to create an open, vase-like structure that allows light and air to reach the center.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Chestnut Rose thrives in well-draining loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix comprising equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Chestnut Rose should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth, ideally in the dormant season.
Humidity & MistingThe Chestnut Rose prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Chestnut Rose in a bright location, water well.
Outdoor
Plant Chestnut Rose in sun, enrich soil, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Rosa roxburghii, commonly known as the chestnut rose, begins with seed germination, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedlings develop roots and shoots, progressively maturing into young plants with the characteristic compound leaves and thorny stems. The next stage is the flowering phase, where the plant produces fragrant pink or white flowers, typically in spring or early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into fruits known as rose hips, which are spherical, usually orange to red, and rich in vitamin C. These rose hips mature and eventually disperse seeds, either through animal consumption or natural decay, thereby starting a new generation. Throughout its life, Rosa roxburghii undergoes perennial growth, with periods of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the fall and winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Chestnut Rose, Rosa roxburghii, is commonly propagated through a method known as softwood cuttings. This practice is often carried out during the late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is beginning to mature but is still flexible. A cutting is taken from a healthy, disease-free branch, ensuring it includes several leaf nodes. It typically measures about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture, kept moist, and under indirect light. It is important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, sometimes achieved by placing a plastic bag or cover over the plant to create a miniature greenhouse effect. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted to a permanent location.
