Rosa spp.

Deciduous flowering shrub

Plant in spring or fall; Blooms from late spring through fall (many are repeat bloomers)

Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day

60–70°F (16–21°C)

Loamy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

3–11 (USDA), depending on the variety

Seeds require stratification and can take several months to germinate; propagation is often done by cuttings

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0)

Water new plants 2 to 3 times per week until established, then 1–2 inches of water per week; can tolerate short dry periods once mature

Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of about 10-10-10 in early spring and again in midsummer; Apply 1 to 2 inches of compost or organic matter in spring to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide slow-release nutrients

Mounding, bushy, upright

Seeds, cuttings, layering, and divisions

1–20 ft, depending on the variety

1–15 ft, depending on variety

Red, pink, white, yellow, and orange; single or double blooms with varying fragrances

Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and hummingbirds

Hedges, borders, mass plantings, ground covers, and container gardening

Lavender, phlox, lamb’s ear, catmint, salvia, catmint (Nepeta), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla), perennial geraniums, and artemisia

Prune in late winter or early spring; remove dead or weak stems to encourage healthy growth

Non-toxic to humans and pets; thorns can cause injury; rose hips are edible and rich in vitamin C

Aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and rose slugs

Black spot, powdery mildew, stem canker, and rose rosette disease

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, roses are the oldest species of plant cultivated for decorative purposes. Ancient Romans, as early as AD 50, grew them in vast plantations and hothouses for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses—decorating buildings, furniture, and creating rose carpets and walkways