Multiflora rose - Rosa multiflora (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Multiflora rose

Also known as: Many-flowered rose, Japanese rose

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

3 m to 5 m

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Red, Burgundy, Orange

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Multiflora rose

Distribution of Multiflora rose

Distribution Map

Multiflora rose is native to China, Korea, and Japan and has been naturalized in much of the United States, parts of western Europe, Argentina, and some parts of the Mediterranean. The United States considers it an invasive species. It grows naturally in grasslands, fields, forests, woodland edges, and prairies.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Slopes, scrub, riversides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Multiflora rose is good for planting in gardens, around ponds, and in balcony or porch container gardens. It can be planted as a "living fence" and also used to protect against erosion. A useful border plant in cottage gardens, it pairs well with geraniums, alliums, sage, and lavender.

Symbolism

Romance, grace, purity of youth

Interesting Facts

Rosa multiflora was introduced in the United States in 1866 as an ornamental, but it soon escaped cultivation. At first, it was used for a hedge or living fence, but now it's considered a noxious weed in North America. This thorny bush forms impenetrable, dense thickets, literally blocking the movement of humans and livestock.

Name Story

Multiflora rosa: The name is like reversing the botanical name, Rosa multiflora which is because Rosa's common name is rose. Multiflora means "having many flowers", because this plant has a main stem with many branches, and each branch will sprout flowers. Hence, it is called multiflora rose.

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Weed Control

This wild rose is native to East Asia, but it has been introduced to North America, the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan. It presents the greatest problem in North America, occurring regularly throughout the east, as well as along the West Coast. Here, it is considered a noxious weed. It is estimated that multiflora rose occupies 45 million hectares in the eastern USA.

Multiflora rose thrives in a variety of open or edge habitats, including pastures, fields, roadsides, prairies, and open woodland. It can also invade dense forests in case a clear-cut opens up the forest canopy. Multiflora rose forms thorny thickets that are impenetrable to humans or large animals. They provide shelter for wildlife, but also create a refuge for unwanted rodents such as rats. The plant spreads so successfully due to vigorous growth and prolific seed production.

How to Control It

The best season to manage multiflora rose is in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to leaf out and certainly before it sets seeds. Control should commence prior to seed maturation to prevent further spread.

Hand pulling: Especially effective for young plants. Wear gloves and pull multiflora rose from the ground, ensuring to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Mowing: Repeatedly mow multiflora rose at a low setting during the growing season to exhaust the plant's energy reserves.
Grazing: Allow livestock, goats especially, to graze multiflora rose as they naturally reduce plant growth by eating the foliage.
Mulching: Lay thick layers of mulch around multiflora rose to suffocate the plants and inhibit light, thus stopping their growth.
Barrier planting: Plant competitive native species that can outcompete multiflora rose, keeping its invasive nature in check and preventing its spread.

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Quickly Identify Multiflora rose

Deciduous climber reaching 10'-15' (3-4.5 m) with sharp prickles forming dense thickets.

Showy, fragrant flowers with white to light pink petals, 1/2-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) wide.

Round red hips, 1/4 inch (6 mm) diameter, in clusters persisting into fall.

Odd-pinnate compound leaves with 5-11 ovate leaflets, serrate margins, fringed stipules.

Thin, flexible green to red canes with curved sharp prickles, cascading growth pattern.

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Care Guide for Multiflora rose

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from East Asia, multiflora rose prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture, tolerating short droughts. It should be watered every 1-2 weeks to allow slight drying. Typically grown outdoors, multiflora rose thrives with rainwater during its growing season, enhancing foliage and flower production.

Fertilize: Fertilize multiflora rose with balanced nutrition every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Use high nitrogen fertilizers in spring for healthy foliage. Water multiflora rose before and after fertilization to avoid root burn. Adjust feeding in fall to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm multiflora rose.

Pruning: Multiflora rose needs strategic pruning in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood and thinning for better air and light access. Caution is advised due to thorny canes, and always use sharp, sterile tools to avoid disease transmission.

Propagation: Originating from East Asia, multiflora rose is known for vigorous growth and easy propagation through cuttings. Gardeners should use healthy, disease-free stems, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil to encourage successful rooting, allowing effective spread without complex care requirements.

Repotting: Repot multiflora rose in early spring to support growth in a large, sturdy pot. Provide ample sunlight and regular watering for recovery. Repot every 2-3 years to maintain health and vigor, minimizing stress on the plant.

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Images of Multiflora rose

Distribution of Multiflora rose

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Multiflora rose

Care Guide for Multiflora rose

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