Rosa sherardii
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Rosa sherardii

Sherard's downy rose

Tier 1 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
162
Observations
89

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Rosa sherardii, the northern downy rose or Sherard's downy-rose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. A shrub reaching 2 m (7 ft), it is native to cooler parts of Europe, and has been introduced to the US state of Vermont. In the garden it prefers a sheltered location in full sun with moist but well-drained soil. More compact than Rosa tomentosa, its grey-leaved form in particular is considered under-represented in cultivation.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Sherard's downy rose flourishes in areas with moderate rainfall and is also drought-tolerant. To keep it in optimal condition, it should be watered every 2-3 weeks. Since it is a deciduous plant, its water requirements decrease during the winter when it enters dormancy.

FAQ
What is the most effective way to water my Sherard's downy rose?

To promote excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight outdoors. You can use bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots of each plant. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that can cover the entire garden or bed and help the roots grow deeply. Make sure to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level will help prevent diseases. On a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is potted or in the ground, remember that Sherard's downy rose prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What do I do if I give too much water or too little water to Sherard's downy rose?

Overwatering a Sherard's downy rose can result in yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves. The plant may also exhibit a dull, unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. It is best to adjust your watering schedule when these signs begin to appear. Conversely, wilting could also be a sign of under watering, characterized by crispy, dry leaves. In this case, check the soil for dryness and provide a thorough watering when necessary. However, excessive watering can lead to the plant appearing dry with yellow leaves due to damage to the root system. Once the plant recovers, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When keeping a Sherard's downy rose indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. Look for signs of black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry out by withholding water for a few days. Overwatering can cause root rot, so if discolored and slimy roots are visible, consider transferring the plant to a different pot and avoid excessively wet soil. When planting a Sherard's downy rose outdoors, ensure the soil is adequately moist to aid in the plant's recovery if it appears too dry.

How often should I give water to my Sherard's downy rose?

The Sherard's downy rose prefers deep, infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. It's best to soak them with a gallon of water each time to account for limited water storage in pots. In cold regions, watering every 3 to 5 days is necessary, preferably in the morning when the soil is dry, whether indoors or outdoors. To determine if watering is needed, check the soil depth - when the top 2-3 inches are dry, the plant requires a full watering. On hot days, check for soil moisture daily as heat can quickly dry out the pot. For gardens, irrigation is also essential. In hot climates, watering once a week is adequate, again ensuring that the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering if there is sufficient rainfall. During spring and fall, when the plant grows most, adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch outdoors helps conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to its fast drainage, while clay soil needs less frequent watering to prevent root rot. To keep track, mark watering dates on a calendar and be alert for drooping leaves, a sign that watering may be needed soon.

How much water should I give my Sherard's downy rose?

The Sherard's downy rose typically needs a gallon of water on a regular basis. For potted plants, water them deeply until the water drips out of the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering again. You can use a water calculator or a moisture meter to determine how much water you have given the plant in a week. Water the plant generously during the flowering period, but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to avoid root rot. If the Sherard's downy rose is planted outside and receives sufficient rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. When the rose is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the plant grows, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only water the rose fully during cooler times of the day when there is extremely hot weather or no rainfall for 2-3 weeks to prevent damage from high heat. Additional watering will be needed during prolonged droughts.

Should I water my Sherard's downy rose more or less depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Sherard's downy rose requires rainwater when outdoors, unless the weather is consistently dry. For optimal growth during the spring and fall, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Alternating between dry and moist soil conditions is beneficial. In the summer, hot weather causes water to evaporate quickly, so additional watering may be necessary if there is a lack of rainfall. Generally, the Sherard's downy rose needs less water in the winter when it goes dormant. Use well-draining soil, such as terracotta, to aid evaporation during this period. Once it starts leafing out again, you can rely on fall and winter rains for water. When flowering, this plant does not fare well in flooded or drought conditions, so ensure good drainage, especially in winter. If potted, the Sherard's downy rose has limited root growth and requires regular watering, especially in summer. Deep soaks once or twice a week, depending on the weather, are preferable to shallow sprinkles. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely in fall or winter, even during dormancy. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Mulching is recommended to reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

☀️ Light Full sun

Sherard's downy rose comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adjusting well to different sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Sherard's downy rose?

Sherard's downy rose thrives when exposed to full sun for more than 6 hours a day but can also adapt to partial sun conditions, receiving about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It’s vital to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and select spots that ensure a balance of light and shade, catering to the happiness of your plants.

Can Sherard's downy rose adapt to different lighting conditions?

Yes, Sherard's downy rose, originating from open environments like sunny meadows and forest edges, is quite adaptable to various sunlight conditions. It flourishes in full sun but can tolerate partial sun, making it versatile for different garden spots or indoor settings that may receive varying amounts of sunlight.

How can artificial lighting be used for indoor plants?

Indoor plants, including Sherard's downy rose, may need artificial lighting, especially in conditions where natural sunlight is insufficient. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to be customized to specific wavelengths needed by plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft is needed; for partial sun, 20-30W/sq ft; and for full shade, 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, imitating natural sunlight for 8-12 hours per day.

What are the signs of light deficiency in Sherard's downy rose?

Light deficiency in Sherard's downy rose can manifest as small or pale new leaves, leggy growth, accelerated leaf drop, and halted growth, showing the plant’s struggle in low light. Conditions such as chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching indicate excessive sunlight exposure or inadequate light, affecting the plant's photosynthesis and overall health.

What solutions exist for light deficiency in Sherard's downy rose?

To combat light deficiency, gradually acclimate Sherard's downy rose to sunlight by moving it to sunnier spots each week, aiming for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, consider using artificial lighting for at least 8 hours daily. Outdoors, move plants strategically to avoid sunburn. Reduce obstructions like overhanging branches to improve light exposure and consider transplanting smaller plants to sunnier locations during their dormant period for better growth.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Sherard's downy rose is highly adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions, from blistering summer heat to cold winters. It nevertheless has a preferred temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures climb too high, the plant becomes vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can kill it. In locations where temperatures come close to the lower limit of its cold tolerance, providing insulation to protect the plant is important.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
FAQ
What is Sherard's downy rose?

Sherard's downy rose, known botanically as Rosa sherardii, is a species of the rose family. This plant is recognized for its unique characteristics and is a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing matters when feeding Sherard's downy rose. Start fertilizing in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and provides energy during both dormant and active growth stages.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The deciduous shrub known as Sherard's downy rose is characterized by its soft, downy leaves and delicate pink flowers. To help it thrive, it's beneficial to perform strategic pruning in early spring. This involves removing weak stems to improve air circulation and encourage blooming. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools to prevent the spread of disease and promote effective healing.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Rosa
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
0.91 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Latvia, France

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)

en Sherard's downy rose