Prairie rose (Rosa setigera)

Prairie rose

Features and Characteristics

Rosa setigera, commonly called rairie rose is a spreading, Missouri-native shrub (to 4′ tall) or climber (to 15′ tall with support) which typically occurs in moist soils along streams, in prairie thickets, along roads, fencerows, and in clearings throughout the State. Features deep pink, single (5-petaled) flowers (to 5″ across) which bloom in late spring to early summer. Mild fragrance. No repeat bloom. Shiny, dark green foliage turns variable but attractive shades of deep red, purple in late autumn. Red hips in early autumn.

Genus name comes from the Latin name for rose.

Specific epithet means bearing bristles.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun, however. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture and keep roots cool. Crowns appreciate protection in cold winter areas such as St. Louis. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants (as practicable), and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough clean-up during winter (dormant season). Prune in late winter to early spring.

Prairie rose (Rosa setigera) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

Roses are susceptible to a large number of diseases, the most common of which are black spot, powdery mildew, rust and rose rosette. Although good cultural practices are the first line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout the growing season are often required in humid climates with periodic summer rains such as the St. Louis area. This species rose has better natural disease resistance than most of the hybrid roses. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles, borers, scale, thrips, rose midges, leafhoppers and spider mites.

Uses

Shrub borders, rose gardens, naturalized areas or native plant gardens. Use as climber or naturalize into thickets or hedgerows. Informal hedge or barrier.

Prairie rose (Rosa setigera) Details

Common name	Prairie rose
Botanical name	Rosa setigera
Plant type	Deciduous shrub
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Pink fading to whitish
Flowering period	June
Height	6 - 12 ft.
Width	8 - 10 ft.