Nootka rose Rosa nutkana 'Plena' (S/d)
ABOUT
The plant in question is a type of wild rose distinguished by its ornamental qualities. It boasts a full, double bloom, meaning the flowers have many layers of petals that create a lush, rounded appearance. The flowers themselves are a soft, deep pink that can fade to a lighter pink with age, creating a romantic and classic rose look. The foliage of the plant is typically a vibrant green, which provides a striking backdrop to the showy blooms. The leaves are pinnate, with several leaflets that may have a slightly toothed edge, giving them a somewhat textured appearance. This wild rose may also produce small, red to orange fruit known as hips, which add to the visual interest of the plant. These hips are favored by wildlife, and they can also be used in jams, jellies, and herbal teas by those who cultivate the plant. Overall, the appearance of this wild rose is one that encapsulates the quintessential characteristics of what many people associate with roses: the romantic double blooms, the richly colored petals, and the vibrant green foliage. As a garden plant, it conveys an impression of classic elegance and natural charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Nootka Rose, Double Nutkana Rose, Double-flowered Nutkana Rose
Common names
Rosa nutkana 'Plena'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Nootka rose is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the Nootka rose should not cause poisoning or adverse health consequences under normal circumstances.
To pets
Similarly, the Nootka rose is not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely that ingestion of the plant parts will lead to poisoning or serious health issues for animals. However, as with any non-food plant material, consumption in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Nootka rose enhances garden beauty with its showy, double-flowered blooms.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and riverbanks.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth can be used to create a natural barrier or living fence.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant.
- Cultural Significance: May hold historical or cultural value in certain regions or among indigenous peoples.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with flowers, hips, and autumn foliage color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: The petals of the Rosa nutkana 'Plena', commonly known as Nootka rose, can be used in the creation of natural dyes for fabrics, giving them a soft pink to reddish hue depending on the mordant used.
- Garden Design: Its dense, thorn-covered growth habit can provide an effective, natural barrier in garden landscapes, deterring unwanted animals and trespassers.
- Perfumery: The fragrant flowers of the Nootka rose can be harvested for the production of natural, floral-scented perfumes, essential oils, or potpourri.
- Educational Use: The plant can be grown in school gardens to teach students about native plant species, pollination, and botanical illustration.
- Culinary Experiments: Nootka rose hips are high in vitamin C and can be used to make unique rose-flavored jams, jellies, syrups, and teas.
- Wildlife Support: It serves as a habitat plant for various species of birds and beneficial insects, including butterflies and bees.
- Photography Prop: The Nootka rose's beautiful flowers and rustic appearance make it a popular subject for photography and botanical art.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Nootka rose is extensive, making it useful for stabilizing soil and controlling erosion on slopes and banks.
- Aromatherapy: Dried Nootka rose flowers can be included in aromatherapy treatments, offering a soothing rose scent that is associated with relaxation and stress relief.
- Cultural Symbolism: Nootka rose can be thoughtfully included in public spaces and parks to represent local flora as part of cultural heritage and identity, often symbolizing love and affection in various traditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Nootka Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Nootka Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The Rosa nutkana 'Plena' is a variety of wild rose, and roses commonly symbolize love and affection. In particular, they are often associated with romantic love but can also represent brotherly love and appreciation.
- Beauty: Roses are considered symbols of beauty owing to their elegant bloom and form, which has been celebrated in literature, art, and culture for centuries.
- Balance: The wild rose, with its harmonious growth in nature, can symbolize balance and the idea of thriving in one's natural environment.
- Purity: With its delicate and traditionally white flowers, the Rosa nutkana 'Plena' conveys purity and innocence, much like other white flowering plants.
- Passion: The intensity of the rose's appearance and fragrance often signifies deep passion, not limited to romantic contexts but also extending to life's pursuits.
- Secret or Confidentiality: Historically, roses were placed in meeting places as a reminder that what was said under the 'rose' (sub rosa) was to be kept confidential, hence the symbolism of secrecy.
- Devotion: Their perennial nature and the way roses return year after year can symbolize devotion and commitment, both in relationships and personal endeavors.
WaterThe Nootka rose should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, it's essential to establish an extensive root system, so water every week with approximately 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. Once established, the Nootka rose is drought-tolerant and typically requires less frequent watering, but during prolonged dry spells, it should be watered every two weeks with about 1-2 gallons. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightNootka rose thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, plant it in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate some shade, too much can lead to a reduction in bloom quality and vigor. Ensure the chosen spot is not shaded by larger plants or structures to receive the light it needs.
TemperatureThe Nootka rose is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It's comfortable in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive brief periods below this in winter, although protection may be required in the coldest areas. In summer, it can withstand high temperatures well into the 90s Fahrenheit. The ideal temperatures for promoting healthy growth and bloom are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Nootka rose helps to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and promote flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts by removing dead wood, thinning crowded stems, and cutting back by one-third to foster a robust and healthy plant. Deadheading or removing spent blooms during the growing season can also encourage additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Nootka rose 'Plena' thrives best in well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite creates an ideal environment for its roots.
RepottingNootka roses 'Plena' typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot, is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingThe Nootka rose 'Plena' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations, as it is generally tolerant of the ambient outdoor humidity in most regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, and ample water.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa nutkana 'Plena', commonly known as the Nootka rose or Wild rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. After stratification, the seeds sprout and the plant enters its juvenile vegetative stage, producing a rosette of leaves and a shoot system. As it matures, the rose develops canes with pinnate leaves and thorns and eventually blossoms into the flowering stage, showcasing clusters of double, pink, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer. Following pollination by insects, the flowers develop into rose hips, the fruit of the rose, containing the seeds for the next generation. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy for the subsequent growing season. The life cycle of the Nootka rose is perennial, allowing it to live and reproduce for several years with appropriate care and environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nootka rose 'Plena', a cultivar of Rosa nutkana, is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth that has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardwood. The best time for this is typically during the late summer to early fall. For optimal results, cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves, and the lower end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the soil consistently moist until roots have developed and new growth is evident, indicating successful propagation.
