Rosa mollis

Rosa mollis

Native to:
Albania, Baltic States, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Rosa
Species:
Rosa mollis
USDA Symbol:
ROMO7

Growth Characteristics

Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
pink
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Menesta tortriciformella, Stigmella villosella, Tischeria aenea

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees, small mammals
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to upland areas, prefers cool climates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–365 days
Notes:
Rosa seeds often have double dormancy and may take 1-2 years to germinate. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Use repeated cycles of 20°C, then 4°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water for approximately 7 days. Discard water. * soak in hot water for 24 hours to scarify

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society