PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct daily sun for optimal blooming and disease resistance
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases like black spot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; protect young plants from extreme frost; tolerate summer heat with consistent watering
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, matte green foliage with serrated margins, arranged alternately on stems
- Flower: Full, cupped or rosette-shaped blooms in pastel to deep pink/cream hues, with strong old-rose fragrance
- Stem: Woody, thorny stems with green to brown bark as they mature
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply 1–2 times weekly; increase frequency during prolonged heatwaves
Fertilization
Feed with balanced rose fertilizer every 4 weeks. Avoid fertilizing in late autumn to prevent tender new growth that may be damaged by frost
Banana peel compost tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drenching; discard solids to avoid pest infestations and odorPruning
- Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter to improve airflow and encourage strong new growth
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly by cutting back to the first set of healthy leaves to promote repeat flowering
- Shape the shrub in spring to maintain desired size; remove weak, spindly growth to redirect energy to productive stems
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; ingestion of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Humans: No toxic compounds; thorns may cause minor puncture wounds
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes romance, elegance, and old-fashioned garden charm
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, cut flower arrangements, container displays
