Scotch Rose
Rosa spinosissima
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine
iNaturalist: © palle38 (iNaturalist #167369912)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Rosa
- Species:
- Rosa spinosissima
- USDA Symbol:
- ROSP2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers coastal dunes and calcareous soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination can be slow and erratic.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. 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; plant at 32°C for 2-3 weeks, then 4°C for 4 months