Redleaf Rose Rosa glauca Pourr. (S)
ABOUT
Rosa glauca, commonly known as redleaf rose, has a distinctive and attractive appearance. The plant is treasured for its beautiful foliage and flowers. The leaves of redleaf rose have a unique reddish or purplish tint, which makes it stand out in the garden throughout the growing season. This unusual leaf coloration provides a stunning contrast to the greenery typical of many other plants. The plant blooms with simple yet elegant flowers, which are usually pale pink to nearly white. These blossom clusters can be a charming spectacle against the dark-toned leaves. The flowers, upon closer inspection, reveal yellow stamens at their centers, adding to their delicate beauty. Once the flowering season concludes, redleaf rose produces small, oval-shaped fruit known as hips. These hips are often reddish to orange in color, and they persist into the autumn, providing visual interest even after the plant has stopped blooming. In addition to their ornamental value, the hips are also known for their high vitamin C content and are sometimes used in teas and jams. Overall, the redleaf rose is praised for its distinct foliage, modest yet lovely flowers, and colorful hips, making it a valued plant in many ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Redleaf Rose, Red-leaved Rose, Shrub Rose, Blue-leaved Rose.
Common names
Rosa ferruginea, Rosa rubrifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Redleaf rose is not considered to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, like many plants, if its parts are ingested in large quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and diarrhea due to the plant material's irritant properties. Always exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Redleaf rose is not known to be toxic to pets. This plant is generally considered safe around cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. It is unlikely to cause poisoning if pets nibble on the leaves or flowers. Nevertheless, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the irritation from plant fibers or natural compounds. It is always best to monitor pets to ensure they do not consume large amounts of any non-food plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Rosa glauca, commonly known as Redleaf rose, is known for its distinctive glaucous purple leaves and simple, pinkish flowers, which can add a unique color contrast to gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant provides a habitat and food source for birds and beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its flowers.
- Low maintenance: Redleaf rose is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being resistant to many diseases that typically affect roses.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Rosa glauca is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in dryer climates or for low-water landscaping practices.
- Cold hardiness: This plant is able to withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in climates with harsh winters.
- Architectural interest: With its arching stems and colorful foliage, Redleaf rose can serve as an attractive architectural plant, providing structure and form to garden designs.
- Hedge and barrier: The thorny stems can deter animals and trespassers, making it useful for planting as a natural hedge or barrier.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Rosa glauca may contain antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Astringent: Some rose species have astringent properties and may be used to tone the skin, although specific references to Rosa glauca are scarce.
- Vitamin C source: Roses in general are known to contain vitamin C, which is important for immune system function, although specific content in Rosa glauca is not well-documented.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Rosa glauca's unique bluish-gray foliage and reddish-purple canes have inspired artists and botanical illustrators in creating artworks and designs.
- Dye Production: The hips (fruit) of Rosa glauca can be used to make natural dyes for textiles in various shades of orange, red, or brown depending on the mordant.
- Floral Arrangements: The distinctive foliage and ornamental fruit of this rose make it a popular choice for inclusion in floral arrangements and bridal bouquets.
- Garden Design: Rosa glauca is often planted for its contrasting foliage color in garden designs, making it a focal point in landscape architecture.
- Scented Gardens: Although not as fragrant as other roses, Rosa glauca adds a subtle scent to gardens designed for aromatherapy or sensory enjoyment.
- Habitat Creation: Its dense growth habit provides shelter for wildlife, making it suitable for planting in wildlife or natural gardens to attract birds and beneficial insects.
- Photography Subjects: The plant's unique appearance makes Rosa glauca a sought-after subject for photographers specializing in plant and garden photography.
- Thematic Gardening: Rosa glauca can be included in historical or heritage gardens due to its old-world charm and appearance reflective of traditional rose varieties.
- Winter Interest: With canes that retain color and hips that persist into winter, Rosa glauca offers visual interest in the garden during the colder months when other plants might be dormant.
- Educational Tool: The species can serve as a botanical example in educational settings to illustrate plant taxonomy, adaptation, and the diversity of the Rosaceae family.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRed-leaf rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRed-leaf rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa glauca is often associated with love, conveying deep emotion and affection.
- Beauty: The plant's natural elegance and the graceful form of its flowers symbolize beauty and grace.
- Mystique: Rosa glauca's unique blue-grey foliage and pink flowers can symbolize mystery and the unexpected beauty in life's journey.
- Balance: The combination of thorns and delicate flowers represents the balance of beauty and strength or the coexistence of defense and vulnerability.
WaterThe Redleaf Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing it with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. During the hot summer months or periods of drought, the frequency may need to be increased to twice per week. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root growth. During the winter months or when rainfall is plentiful, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging of the soil. It is important to monitor the soil moisture level regularly and adjust the watering schedule accordingly to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering.
LightThe Redleaf Rose thrives best in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon is ideal to protect the plant from the intense heat of the day. The plant can tolerate some light shade, but flowering and foliage color may be less vibrant in less than full sun conditions.
TemperatureThe Redleaf Rose is hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, generally preferring climates within USDA zones 2 through 8. It can withstand winter lows down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many regions. The ideal growing temperature for this rose is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can cause stress and damage.
PruningPruning the Redleaf Rose is vital for maintaining plant health, promoting vigorous growth, and enhancing flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or diseased wood, thinning out crowded areas, and shaping the plant. Also remove any weak or spindly canes, leaving only the strong, healthy growth. Annual pruning helps to improve air circulation and light exposure, which is essential for the prevention of fungal diseases.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRedleaf Rose prefers well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix includes two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand for drainage.
RepottingRedleaf Roses, being outdoor plants, don't require repotting. Instead, they may need occasional transplanting every few years if outgrowing their location or for propagation.
Humidity & MistingRedleaf Rose thrives in outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, making it adaptable to various environments without the need for controlled humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Redleaf Rose in large pots with drainage, ample light.
Outdoor
Plant Redleaf Rose in sunny spots, amend soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
Redleaf Rose is suitable for 2-8 USDA.
Life cycleRosa glauca, commonly known as Redleaf Rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which usually occurs in spring after a period of stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings develop into young plants with compound leaves that exhibit the characteristic reddish tint and eventually grow into mature shrubs. During late spring to early summer, mature plants bloom with single pink flowers that are followed by the formation of ornamental red hips (fruits). After pollination, typically by insects, these fruits house seeds for the next generation. Throughout the growing season, Rosa glauca undergoes vegetative growth, expanding both its root system and woody stems. As a perennial, it experiences a period of dormancy during winter, shedding its leaves and reserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Rosa glauca, commonly known as Redleaf Rose, is most effectively propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering shoots that have just begun to mature and harden. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and include at least three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining soil mix, such as half peat and half perlite or sand, and kept under high humidity with warm temperatures. Roots usually develop within several weeks, after which the new Redleaf Rose plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting out.
