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China rose

How to identify China rose (Rosa chinensis)

China rose, also known as Bengal rose

China rose displays a classic shrub form with a rounded shape comprising woody stems. Its deciduous foliage, often dark green with a glossy finish, can add to its ornamental value. The visually distinct flowers, which are pivotal for identification, typically showcase multiple petals that arrange themselves in a tight, circular pattern, often exuding a subtle fragrance. These floral displays can range in color and generally measure between 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in diameter. The plant's stature commonly reaches heights of 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) with a similar spread.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub, Vine

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify China rose

1

Distinct flowers arranged in a tight circular pattern, measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in diameter.

2

Slightly fragrant flowers with petals in colors ranging from white to red and purple, often in groups of four or five.

3

Red hips under 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, rich in vitamin C, persisting into winter.

4

Compound leaves with 3-7 leaflets, hairy and serrated, reddish-purple when young, measuring 2-4.5 inches (5-11.5 cm) in length.

5

Color-changing stem from reddish-purple to green to brown, covered in prickles, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter.

China roseChina roseChina roseChina roseChina rose

Detailed Traits of China rose

Leaf Features

The leaves of china rose are compound and alternately arranged, measuring 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 cm) in length. Each leaf comprises 3 to 5, sometimes 7, leaflets, which are 1 to 2.25 inches (2.5 to 5.7 cm) long and 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) wide. Young leaves are reddish-purple, turning dark green above and lighter green beneath. Slightly hairy on both sides, the leaves feature serrated margins, rounded bases, and pointy tips.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Ovate ,
Oblong

China rose Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Pinnate

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,
Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Serrate

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Flower Features

The flowers of china rose are slightly fragrant and typically under 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. They are arranged in groups of four or five, making them quite striking. Each single bloom has five petals, although some can be semi-double or double. The petals exhibit a range of colors from white through pink to red and purple. These distinguishing features make the flowers of china rose easily recognizable and appealing to plant enthusiasts.

China rose Flower imageChina rose Flower image
Corolla Type

Rosaceous

Inflorescence Type

Solitary ,
Corymb

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Stem Features

The stem of china rose exhibits initial growth in a striking reddish-purple hue. As it matures, the stem undergoes a color transformation from purple to green, eventually turning brown. Covered in distinctive prickles, the texture ranges from smooth to rough. Stems measure approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter, and exhibit a robust, branching pattern that supports vigorous growth. These unique color changes and prickles are key identifiers for china rose.

China rose Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of china rose is known as a hip, showcasing a vivid red hue. These ovoid hips are modest in size, typically remaining under one inch (2.54 cm) in diameter. They emerge from June, persisting possibly until November, and if undisturbed, may endure throughout the winter season. Renowned for their high vitamin C content, these fruits present a slightly rough texture and are an important feature for species identification.

China rose Fruit image
Fruit Type

Hip

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
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China rose and Their Similar Plants

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Multiflora rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an ornamental climbing shrub native to East Asia. The specific epithet 'multiflora' means 'many flowers' and refers to the great number of flowers the plant produces. The flowers are usually white, but some pink varieties can be found. Multiflora rose is considered a noxious weed in certain parts of the world.
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Rugosa rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
This tall shrub is known for its hardiness, surviving in many climate zones and poor soil conditions. They produce large flowers from summer to winter and their hips attract birds (and are tasty to humans too!). With such beautiful flowers one might be surprised to hear that the rugosa rose is considered an invasive species in some regions.
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Lady banks's rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
Lady banks's rose is a species of rose with pale yellow flowers which is popularly planted in gardens worldwide. The largest specimen of lady banks's rose (Rosa banksiae) in the world is in Tombstone, AZ. This is where the famous “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” took place. A clipping that eventually became the bush was sent over from Scotland in 1885, making this rose over 130 years old.
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Burnet rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima) is one of the thorniest wild rose species. "Spinosissima," in fact, means "the most thorny" in Latin - this delicate white rose is great to look at, but not to pick! Burnet roses are native to Europe and northern Africa, though they have been introduced to New England and much of the Midwest in the U.S.
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Carolina rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
The rose hips growing out of carolina rose (Rosa carolina) make their appearance in the fall. Birds of many different species love to feast on this crimson-colored fruit. However, this delicacy isn't reserved solely for our avian friends, because humans can make tea from them. They are exceedingly high in vitamin C and will help boost your immune system.
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Apple rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
The apple rose is a densely branched, compact shrub that grows to heights of 1.5 to 2 m and often forms underground runners. The bark of the branches are dark brown and smooth. The bark of the younger branches is reddish, slightly frosted and mostly velvety soft hairy.
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Swamp Rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
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Climbing rose vs. China rose: What's The Difference?
With a widespread distribution in North America, the climbing rose is a medium-sized shrub that can climb through its hooked thorns. Thus, its common name is Climbing rose, as it needs support and is excellent to plant on fences and along highways. The light pink flowers attract wildlife such as birds, bees, and insects.
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Key Facts About China rose

Attributes of China rose
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub, Vine
Plant Height
1 m to 2 m
Spread
90 cm to 1.8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
4 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Red
White
Yellow
Pink
Cream
Orange
Gold
Fruit Color
Red
Orange
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
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Scientific Classification of China rose

Family
Rose
Icon allow
Genus
Roses
Icon allow
Species
China rose (Rosa chinensis)
Learn More About the China rose

Distribution Map of China rose

China rose originates from central China. Its natural habitat is rocky slopes, though it is not known to grow wild anywhere in modern times. It has been cultivated widely as a garden ornamental throughout Australia, North America, Asia, and Australia.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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