Multiflora Rose

Rosa multiflora

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Rosa
Species:
Rosa multiflora
USDA Symbol:
ROMU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Subshrub , Vine
Height:
500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californica)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Half-black bumble (Bombus vagans), Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) Moths:Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris), Coelodasys Packard, Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana), Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae), Stigmella rosaefoliella Butterflies:Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), ⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), Small White (Pieris rapae), Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae), Zabulon Skipper (Lon zabulon)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, small mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
red, orange

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
thrives in nutrient-rich soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. * soak in hot water for 24 hours to scarify

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society