Seven Sisters Rose Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' (Ra)
ABOUT
The Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', more commonly known as the "Rambler Rose," presents a highly ornamental appearance with an abundance of small, delicate flowers that tend to bloom in large clusters. These blossoms are typically a charming shade of soft pink, though they can sometimes exhibit white hues with hints of pink blushes. Each flower comprises multiple layers of petals that create a fluffy, rounded aesthetic typical of roses. The leaves of the Rambler Rose are a glossy, deep green color, contributing to the plant's lush appearance. These leaves are pinnate, meaning they are composed of multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a central stem. The foliage and stems often have a thorny nature to them, which is characteristic of many rose varieties. As a plant known for its vigorous growth habit, it develops long, arching canes that are highly flexible, allowing the Rambler Rose to be trained along structures like trellises, arbors, or fences, which the plant can adorn with its verdant foliage and profusion of flowers. The overall look of the Rambler Rose is one of romantic abundance, with its dense clusters of blooms and rich green foliage, evoking the quintessential charm associated with traditional English cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Seven Sisters Rose, Greville Rose, Multiflora Rose, Rambler Rose
Common names
Rosa watsoniana, Rosa wichuraiana.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Rambler rose is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from Rambler rose, as it is generally regarded as non-toxic.
To pets
Rambler rose is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is not associated with poisoning symptoms, and ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause any significant health issues in pets. Consequently, there are no particular toxicity concerns or poisoning symptoms to describe for pets with regard to Rambler rose.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
5 feet [1.5 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', commonly known as Rambler Rose, provides visual interest with its abundant and attractive blooms that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Rambler Rose offers habitat and food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The dense growth habit and extensive root system of Rambler Rose can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Privacy and Screening: With its vigorous climbing and spreading habit, Rambler Rose can be used as a natural screen for privacy, helping to block unwanted views or define garden areas.
- Fragrance: The flowers of Rambler Rose emit a delightful fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or outdoor space.
- Adaptability: Rambler Rose is known for its adaptability to a range of soil types and growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in various regions.
- Support for Structures: As a climbing plant, Rambler Rose can provide ornamental cover for structures like trellises, fences, and arbors, adding a layer of visual interest and charm.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy screenings: The dense growth habit of Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' can be utilized to create natural privacy screens in gardens and along property borders.
- Erosion control: The robust root system is efficient at stabilizing soil, making it an excellent candidate for controlling erosion on slopes and banks.
- Livestock fencing: In rural settings, the thorny canes can form a living fence to contain livestock while deterring predators and unwanted animals.
- Perfumery: Though not the primary use, the petals of Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' may sometimes contribute to natural fragrances in small-scale or artisanal perfumery.
- Art and craft material: Dried petals and hips are often used in potpourri, and the stems and thorns can be incorporated into rustic crafts and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife habitat: This rose species provides shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, as well as food in the form of hips for various wildlife species.
- Culinary uses: The rose hips of Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and teas, offering a vitamin C boost.
- Photography and painting subjects: The aesthetic appeal of the plant makes it an attractive subject for photographers and artists.
- Garden structure training: The flexible canes can be trained over arbors, pergolas, and other garden structures, creating living architectural features.
- Education and research: As an example of a non-native invasive plant in some regions, it provides an educational tool for teaching about the ecological impact of invasive species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSeven Sisters Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Seven Sisters Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a variety of rose, Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' symbolizes love. Roses are often associated with deep affection and romantic love, making them a popular choice for relationships.
- Beauty: The rose is universally recognized as a symbol of beauty due to its intricate and elegant flowers. This particular rose with its multiple blooms embodies this trait.
- Mystery: The dense growth and tangled branches of the multiflora rose can represent mystery or complexity, reflecting the often enigmatic nature of love.
- New Beginnings: Roses are commonly associated with new starts, and the 'Grevillei' cultivar, with its vigorous growth, can represent fresh starts or renewal.
- Honor: Roses, in general, are often used to pay tribute to someone's achievements or character, and the multiflora rose can be used similarly to express admiration or respect.
WaterRambler roses, like the Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', should be watered deeply once a week during their growing season, ensuring that the water reaches the deeper roots. In particularly hot or dry weather, it may be necessary to increase watering frequency to twice per week. Each watering session should provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, allowing the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every two weeks or whenever the soil is dry to the touch.
LightRambler roses, such as Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', thrive best in full sun locations. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce vibrant blooms and maintain healthy growth. The ideal spot for planting is in an area that receives morning sun and is protected from the intense afternoon heat if possible.
TemperatureRambler roses like Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' can withstand a range of temperatures but prefer a temperate climate. They perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These roses can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may require protection from extreme cold.
PruningPruning Rambler roses like Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei' is essential for maintaining the plant's health and encouraging prolific blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. It is also a good time to cut back any side shoots on the main canes to about two to three inches to promote flowering. Rambler roses require annual pruning to keep their vigorous growth in check.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Seven Sisters Rose prefers a well-draining loamy soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal. A good mix might include two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part compost.
RepottingThe Seven Sisters Rose, being a large and vigorous climber, doesn't typically require repotting as it's usually planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers, it might need repotting every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingThe Seven Sisters Rose thrives in average garden humidity levels. While it tolerates some humidity, it prefers a well-ventilated environment to prevent fungal diseases, especially during hot, moist conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, adequate air flow, and room to climb.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support for climbing, and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', commonly known as the Multiflora Rose, begins with seed germination, which is facilitated by stratification to break seed dormancy. The seeds develop into seedlings, which progressively mature into vegetatively growing plants, featuring a rapid growth of canes, leaves, and thorns. These plants undergo a period of vegetative growth each spring followed by flowering, usually in late spring to early summer, where fragrant white or pinkish flowers emerge and attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, hard red berries called hips, which contain the seeds, completing the reproductive stage. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the cold winter months, where growth significantly slows or halts. Throughout its lifespan, which can extend several decades, the Multiflora Rose can spread aggressively through both vegetative propagation (via root suckers and layering) and by seed dispersal by birds and other animals that consume the hips.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa multiflora 'Grevillei', commonly known as Seven Sisters Rose, is most effectively propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is particularly successful when conducted in late spring to early summer, coinciding with the plant's active growth phase. Softwood cuttings are taken from fresh, new growth that is not yet firm. These cuttings should be about 6 inches long and include several leaves. After cutting, the lower leaves are removed, and the stem base is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root production. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots develop, typically in several weeks. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can create a mini-greenhouse effect, maintaining humidity around the cutting and fostering root growth.
