Wingthorn Rose Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha (S)
ABOUT
This plant commonly known as the Wingthorn Rose is distinguished by its striking feature of translucent red thorns which are wing-shaped, and are particularly noticeable when backlit by the sun. The plant boasts pinnately compound leaves that are typically made up of five to nine leaflets, each with a slightly serrated edge. During flowering season, the Wingthorn Rose yields single, creamy-white flowers that possess a simple yet elegant beauty, and in the center, a bouquet of prominent yellow stamens can be observed. These flowers are known for their subtle fragrance which can attract pollinators to the garden. Following the flowering phase, the plant produces red, spherical fruit, known as hips, which provide a visual interest in the landscape and can serve as a food source for wildlife. The overall growth habit of the plant forms a graceful shrub with an arching shape, contributing to its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Wingthorn Rose, Redwing Rose
Common names
Rosa omeiensis f. pteracantha, Rosa sericea var. pteracantha.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Wingthorn Rose (Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha) is not considered toxic to humans. There is no well-documented case of poisoning or toxic effects from ingesting the parts of this plant, such as the rosehips, which are often used in culinary applications. Thus, touching or incidental ingestion of the Wingthorn Rose is not generally associated with adverse health consequences.
To pets
The Wingthorn Rose (Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha) is also not considered toxic to pets. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning in pets from ingesting any parts of this plant. Pets can safely interact with this plant without the risk of toxic health effects that are commonly associated with genuinely poisonous plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The plant is valued for its striking thorns and architectural presence.
- Garden Diversity: It contributes to biodiversity in gardens, providing habitat and resources for various species.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes.
- Privacy Screen: The dense growth habit of the Wingthorn Rose can provide privacy and act as a living barrier.
- Windbreak: The robust form of the plant can serve as a windbreak, protecting other plants and reducing wind erosion.
- Pollinator Support: It offers nectar and pollen to bees and other pollinators.
- Teaching Tool: The distinctive physical characteristics make it an interesting subject for educational purposes in botany and horticulture.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, roses are symbols of love and beauty, which can enrich the cultural value of a garden.
- Crafting Material: The wood and thorns can be used for crafting and artistic creation.
- Seasonal Interest: It adds year-round interest with seasonal changes in foliage, bloom, and thorn coloration.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental display: The winged rose is valued for its decorative thorns that catch light and create stunning visual effects in gardens.
- Living fence: With its dense growth and formidable thorns, the winged rose can be used as a secure, natural barrier to mark boundaries or deter unwanted wildlife and intruders.
- Education and research: Botanical gardens and educational institutions may cultivate the winged rose for study of its unique morphology and adaptation.
- Photography subject: Due to its unique and striking appearance, the winged rose can be a popular subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Craft materials: The thorns and dried hips can be used in floral arrangements or dried crafts for textural interest.
- Ecological support: As a nectar source, it can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Erosion control: The extensive root system of the winged rose can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Winter garden interest: The bright red thorns provide color and interest in otherwise barren winter landscapes.
- Habitat creation: It can form part of a mixed planting scheme to create habitats for various bird species that might use the dense thorny structure for nesting.
- Cultural symbolism: Some cultures might cultivate the winged rose for its symbolic meanings in art or literature, such as the representation of beauty with hidden danger due to its thorns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wingthorn Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wingthorn Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Admiration: As a variety of rosé, the Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha, commonly known as the Wingthorn Rose, is linked with love and admiration, embodying the timeless symbol of affection and romance that roses are known for.
- Beauty with Caution: The Wingthorn Rose is known for its striking red thorns, which represent the concept that beauty can be accompanied by hardship or challenges, symbolizing the protective boundaries one might maintain even in romantic relationships.
- Individuality: The unique and distinct appearance of its thorns and foliage can symbolize individuality or the celebration of one's unique traits and characteristics that stand out.
- Balancing Aesthetics and Defense: The Wingthorn Rose, with its ornamental and defensive thorns, can represent the balance between vulnerability and self-protection, highlighting the duality of openness and guardedness in personal interactions.
- Mystery and Secrecy: As roses often carry meanings of hidden messages, the Wingthorn Rose, with its unusual form, can symbolize the mysteries or secrets that might be tucked away beneath an alluring façade.
WaterThe Wingthorn Rose should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring thorough soil moisture without waterlogging. In hotter, drier conditions, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During cooler months or when rainfall is adequate, reduce watering. Each time, provide enough water to soak the root zone, typically 1 to 1.5 gallons for mature plants, depending on size and soil conditions. It's crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
LightWingthorn Rose thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an area with unobstructed southern or western exposure that gets ample morning and afternoon light, encouraging robust growth and flowering.
TemperatureWingthorn Rose is hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range; however, it performs best in environments where temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and will tolerate up to about 90°F, although prolonged heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning Wingthorn Rose is essential to maintain plant health, shape, and to encourage blooming. Prune early in spring, removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant. Prune again after the first bloom to promote a second flowering. The ideal time is after the last frost and before the plant starts to put on significant growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWingthorn Rose thrives in well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix with two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part sand or perlite is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingWingthorn Rose does not need frequent repotting and should generally be repotted once every two to three years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingWingthorn Rose prefers average humidity levels and can adapt to the typical outdoor humidity in most temperate regions. Protecting it from overly humid conditions is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light and good air flow for Wingthorn Rose indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Wingthorn Rose in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
Wingthorn Rose is suitable for 5-9 USDA zones.
Life cycleRosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha, commonly known as the Wingthorn Rose, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. The seedling establishes itself quickly, developing a root system and foliage through the growth season. As a perennial, it enters a vegetative stage, where it grows stems, leaves, and thorns, with characteristic red thorns becoming particularly prominent on young shoots. Upon reaching maturity, the Wingthorn Rose produces fragrant white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into red or orange fruit known as 'hips,' which mature in late summer to autumn and contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then goes dormant during winter, conserving energy to restart the growth and reproductive cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Wingthorn Rose, known scientifically as Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis f. pteracantha, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is most successful when performed in late spring or early summer, when new growth is still pliable and has not yet hardened into woody stems. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length from a healthy, disease-free shoot, making an angled cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving two or three at the top. The cut end of the cutting is then dipped into a rooting hormone powder or gel to enhance root development and planted into a moist, well-draining potting mix. It may then be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity until roots have developed, typically taking 6 to 8 weeks. Once rooted, cuttings can be potted on or planted out into their final position.
