PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight for abundant blooms; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease risk
Temperature
Cold-hardy to -15°C; withstands moderate summer heat with consistent soil moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Compound leaves with 5–7 oval, serrated matte green leaflets
- Flower: Deep pink to crimson double/semi-double blooms with intense sweet fragrance
- Stem: Woody stems with curved, sharp prickles for defense
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer at new growth emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, dilute 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench to encourage abundant floweringPruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing stems in late winter before new growth begins
- Thin crowded branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage extended flowering
- Remove root suckers to maintain the purity of the cultivated cultivar
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no harmful effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; petals are edible in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with love and romance in European folklore; historically used in medieval herbal remedies
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; petals used in potpourri, herbal teas, and natural dye production
