Rosa willmottiae
Willmott's rose
Overview
Rosa willmottiae is a deciduous species rose native to western China, forming an arching, densely twiggy shrub 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall and 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) wide. The small pinnate leaves are divided into 7–9 rounded grey-green leaflets each 0.2–0.5 inch (0.5–1.2 cm) long, giving a ferny, small-textured appearance, and release a slight aromatic scent when crushed. The slender arching canes carry pairs of straight prickles and bear single flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across in lilac-pink to purplish-pink, each with five petals and cream stamens, opening in late spring to early summer. Flowering is a single early flush. Small, pear-shaped to oval orange-red hips about 0.5 inch (1.2 cm) long ripen in late summer and autumn. The shrub flowers once and does not repeat, and its arching size needs room; the canes are well armed with prickles. It withstands cold to USDA zones 5–8 and tolerates poor soils, though black spot and rust can appear in humid summers.
Native Range
Rosa willmottiae is native to western China, including Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan, where it grows on mountain slopes, scrub, and woodland margins at moderate to high elevations. It was introduced to Western gardens in the early 20th century.Suggested Uses
Rosa willmottiae is grown as a freestanding shrub, in mixed and shrub borders with room to arch, and in wild or woodland-edge gardens. The early flowers and autumn hips give two seasons of interest. Its size suits informal and naturalistic plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread5' - 8'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering is a single flush in late spring to early summer, about May to June in the Northern Hemisphere, lasting roughly 3 weeks. The shrub does not repeat-bloom. From late summer the flowers give way to small orange-red, pear-shaped hips. The hips colour in autumn and are eaten by birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lilac-pink to purplish-pinkFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Rosa willmottiae in full sun to light shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Water during establishment and prolonged drought, and feed in spring to support cane growth. The arching 6–10 foot (1.8–3 m) canes need space, so the shrub is unsuited to confined borders. Good air movement reduces black spot and rust, which can mark the foliage in warm humid weather. Because it flowers on the previous year's wood, the shrub is left largely unpruned through winter. Hardiness runs through USDA zones 5–8.Pruning
Rosa willmottiae flowers on the previous season's wood, so pruning is light and follows the early-summer bloom. Old, dead, or congested canes are cut to the base to renew the shrub, while main canes are only shortened to shape. Hard winter pruning removes the coming flowers and autumn hips.Pruning Schedule
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summer