Rosa spinosissima
Scotch rose · Burnet Rose · Scotchbriar · Scottish rose · Scottish-briar
Description
Source: leafsnapRosa spinosissima, commonly known as the Scots rose or burnet rose, is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it thrives in rocky areas, heaths, and coastal cliffs. The shrub typically reaches a height and spread of 1 to 2 meters. The Scots rose features dark green, pinnate leaves with serrated edges. Its flowers, usually pink or white with five petals and a yellow center, bloom from late spring to early summer. One of the plant's unique characteristics is its thorny stems, making it an excellent choice for hedges or security barriers. Historically, the Scots rose has been valued for its medicinal properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects. During the Victorian era, it was also used as an ingredient in perfumes. Overall, Rosa spinosissima is a hardy shrub that can flourish in various soil types and weather conditions, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape design project.
🌳 The Burnet rose adds visual interest to flower gardens throughout much of the year. In spring, it showcases fresh foliage, followed by vibrant summer blooms and dark fruits in the fall. As a small shrub, it makes an excellent ground cover or low hedge in flower beds or borders. This plant thrives in sandy soil, making it ideal for coastal or cottage gardens. However, it needs protection from rabbits and deer.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
The Burnet rose is moderately drought-tolerant and thrives when watered every 1-2 weeks, provided it is in well-drained soil. Its resilience enables it to adapt to different climate zones, making it suitable for a variety of landscape applications in regions with varying rainfall.
What is the easiest way to water my Burnet rose plant?
To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. It's important to avoid spraying the leaves directly, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight outdoors. Moistening the roots can be done by using bubblers or soaker hoses placed on each plant. When adding or removing plants, utilize soaker hoses to deeply water the entire garden or bed. After watering, drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level is recommended to prevent diseases. If it's a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether the Burnet rose is in a pot or in the ground, remember to prioritize deep watering rather than light sprinkling.
What should I do if I give the Burnet rose too much or too little water?
An overwatered Burnet rose can exhibit several symptoms, including yellowing and dropping leaves, wilting, and a dull, unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. When these signs begin to show, it's advisable to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Conversely, wilting can also indicate under watering, characterized by crispy, dry leaves. In this case, check the soil for dryness and give the plant a thorough watering when necessary. Sufficient water will restore the Burnet rose, but it may still exhibit yellow and dry leaves in the following days due to root damage. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When growing a Burnet rose indoors, regularly monitor the moisture levels, avoiding overwatering and being vigilant for black spots. If present, allow the soil in the pot to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which may necessitate transferring the plant to a different pot if discolored and slimy roots are observed. Therefore, it is essential to prevent root rot by not letting the soil become excessively soggy. When planting a Burnet rose outdoors, dig slightly deeper, and if the soil feels too dry when checking with your fingers, this indicates underwatering. Adequate watering is necessary to facilitate the plant's recovery.
How often do I need to water my Burnet rose?
The Burnet rose prefers deep watering, especially when planted in pots. Watering once with a gallon of water is sufficient, considering that pots have limited water storage and the soil tends to dry out quickly. If you live in a cold region, water the plant every 3 to 5 days. Water in the morning when the soil is dry, whether you have the plant indoors or outdoors. One way to determine if watering is necessary is by checking the soil - if the top 2-3 inches are dry, give the plant a good watering. In hot weather, you may need to check the soil moisture daily as it can dry out rapidly. If you have a garden, irrigate the soil regularly. In hot climates, watering once a week is sufficient. Only water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Consider the amount of rainwater that has fallen and avoid additional watering to prevent root rot. During rainy periods, you may not need to water at all. The Burnet rose mainly grows during spring and fall. For outdoor plants, add a layer of mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to help retain moisture. Adjust watering frequency based on soil type - sandy soil drains faster, so more frequent watering is needed, while clay soil requires less frequent watering, allowing the plant to dry out for 2-3 days to avoid root rot. To keep track of watering, mark the dates on your calendar. If the leaves start to droop, it could indicate that you are a day late with watering.
How much water should I give my Burnet rose plant?
The Burnet rose requires about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping at the bottom of the pot, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Use a water calculator or moisture meter to determine the amount of water given to the plant in a week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water but allow the moisture to evaporate to prevent root rot. If the Burnet rose is planted outdoors and receives adequate 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 rose grows, it can rely on rainfall alone. Only water the plant fully during cooler times of the day when there is excessive heat or no rainfall for 2-3 weeks to prevent damage. Additional watering is needed during extended dry periods.
Do I need to water my Burnet rose more or less depending on the time of year or the weather?
The Burnet rose is a plant that needs to be outdoors and relies on rainwater, but if there is persistent dry weather, it will require additional watering. During the spring and fall growing seasons, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated. The Burnet rose prefers alternating periods of dry and moist soil conditions. In the summer, hot weather can cause the water to evaporate quickly, so extra watering may be necessary if there is a lack of rainfall. In contrast, during the winter, the Burnet rose needs less water because it drops its leaves and goes dormant. It can be planted in a terracotta pot with well-draining but moisture-retentive soil to facilitate quicker water evaporation. Once the plant goes dormant, watering can be skipped, as it can rely on the fall and winter rains to survive. When the temperature becomes warmer in spring, it's advisable to cultivate the Burnet rose to encourage growth and blooming. This plant doesn't thrive in extreme wet or dry conditions while flowering, so good drainage is crucial, especially during the winter. When planted in pots, the Burnet rose has limited root growth, so it's important to keep them well-watered, particularly in summer. However, it's essential to provide adequate drainage to prevent cold and wet roots, especially if the plant is still growing. To water the Burnet rose effectively, it's recommended to give the entire root system a deep soak at least once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Shallow sprinkles that only reach the leaves should be avoided as they can encourage fungal growth and don't reach the roots' depth. Even during dormancy in the fall and winter, the Burnet rose should not be allowed to dry out completely. Over-watering should also be avoided, as sitting in water for too long can lead to plant death, especially in winter. Applying mulch can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.
☀️ Light Full sun
The burnet rose does best when exposed to full sun for most of the day, though it can tolerate locations with a bit less light. Lack of adequate sunlight, however, can stunt its growth and cause its health to decline. Its native habitat is one with abundant sunlight.
What are the sunlight requirements for Burnet Rose?
The Burnet Rose thrives best when exposed to full sunlight for the majority of the day, requiring above 6 hours of sunlight. It can also tolerate partial sun, meaning about 3-6 hours of sunlight. However, the plant's health and growth can decline without sufficient sunlight. To ensure your plants are happy, it's crucial to monitor the movement of sunlight through your garden and choose locations that offer an optimal balance of light and shade.
How does artificial lighting support Burnet Rose growth indoors?
Indoor Burnet Roses require adequate lighting for optimal growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, such as during winter or in less sunny spaces. Artificial lights, particularly LED lights, are beneficial as they can provide specific wavelengths needed by the plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is needed, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, ensuring plants receive 8-12 hours of light per day.
What are the symptoms of insufficient sunlight for Burnet Rose?
Burnet Roses sensitive to light deficiency may exhibit symptoms such as smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, paler new leaves, and chlorosis—yellowing leaves due to chlorophyll breakdown. Also, excessive sunlight exposure can cause symptoms like sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, indicating the plant's distress under inappropriate lighting conditions.
How do you address Burnet Rose's light deficiency symptoms?
To address light deficiency in Burnet Roses, gradually move the plants to sunnier locations, ensuring they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, use a south-facing window or artificial lighting like desk or ceiling lamps for at least 8 hours daily. For outdoor plants, avoid sudden changes in light intensity to prevent sunburn. Removing obstructions or transplanting to sunnier spots may benefit the plants. Note that while parts of the plant affected by insufficient light may not recover, new growth will be healthy with increased light exposure.
🌡️ Temperature 0–35°C
Native to colder regions, burnet rose tolerates temperatures from 32 to 95 °F (0 to 35 ℃). It prefers cooler climates but can withstand occasional heat. During hotter seasons it may require some shading or cooling.
What is the origin and preferred climate of the Burnet rose?
The Burnet rose, with its botanic name Rosa spinosissima, originates from colder regions and has adapted to a wide temperature range of 32 to 95 °F (0 to 35 °C). It thrives best in cooler climates but can tolerate intermittent heat periods. Special attention, such as shading or cooling, might be necessary during hotter seasons to ensure the plant's well-being.
How should I protect my Burnet rose in winter?
Burnet rose exhibits strong resistance to cold and does not usually require special frost protection. However, if temperatures are expected to fall below -35°C, it's important to protect the plant. This can be done by wrapping the trunk and branches with insulating materials like non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, watering the plant abundantly before the first freeze of autumn is suggested to help the soil remain moist and frozen, which aids in preventing drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.
What are the temperature thresholds for Burnet rose?
Burnet rose is cold-tolerant and best thrives when temperatures stay above 0°C during winter and should ideally be kept above -30°C. When temperatures drop below -35°C, the plant might not show immediate damage in winter but come spring, its branches could become brittle, and it may fail to produce new shoots. During summer, it is advisable to keep temperatures below 35°C as exceeding 38°C could result in lighter colored leaves, dry and withered tips, and increased susceptibility to sunburn.
What care should be taken if a Burnet rose experiences extreme temperatures?
For cold damage, if temperatures fall severely low, it's vital to prune away any dead branches that didn't produce new leaves in the spring. In case of heat stress, when temperatures go above optimum levels, remove sunburned and dried parts of the plant. To mitigate high-temperature effects, relocate the plant to a shaded area or use a shade cloth to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun. Ensure the soil remains moist by watering the plant in the morning and evening.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Proper timing matters for fertilizing the Burnet rose. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer encourages beautiful blooms and supplies energy both during dormant periods and active growth.
Why should I add fertilizer to my Burnet rose?
Fertilizing your Burnet rose is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, it will help your rose produce beautiful blooms. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, as this ensures excellent flowers during the season. Additionally, fertilizer provides the rose with energy that it can store in the ground when it is not actively growing. By giving your Burnet rose extra nutrients during fall planting or late spring, you help it store more energy for future growth.
When should I put fertilizer on my Burnet rose?
To effectively fertilize Burnet rose, timing is crucial. Applying fertilizer too early when the rose is dormant will render it ineffective, as it can easily be washed away by rainfall, resulting in waste and pollution. The recommended approach is to begin fertilizing in early spring and continue monthly applications until early summer.
When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Burnet rose?
To ensure optimal growth and bloom production in Burnet rose, it is important to be mindful of fertilizer usage. Excessive nitrogen in fertilizers should be avoided, as this may result in leafy growth without many blooms. Look for fertilizers that have a lower nitrogen content compared to other nutrients. It is advisable to refrain from fertilizing Burnet rose after early autumn, as this can induce excessive growth just before winter. Similarly, during hot and dry periods, it is not recommended to apply fertilizer to Burnet rose, as dry soil is less effective in delivering nutrients compared to moist soil. Fertilizing during this time can promote growth that requires more water, potentially leading to insufficient water availability. Ideally, fertilizer application should be done earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, it is crucial to be cautious of adjacent plants or lawns that may absorb the applied fertilizer. Take care to avoid inadvertently giving other plants or shrubs a double-dose of fertilizer.
What kind of fertilizer does my Burnet rose plant need?
When fertilizing a Burnet rose, it's best to use a fertilizer that has a balanced mix of the main plant nutrients, with slightly more phosphorus. Alternatively, you can improve the soil by adding organic materials like compost, worm castings, or manure. Experienced gardeners may also use water-soluble fertilizers with phosphorus when the flower buds start to appear, as this helps the flowers grow bigger and bloom longer. There are various forms of fertilizers available and most will work well for your Burnet rose. However, liquid and powdered fertilizers are considered some of the best options. Regardless of the form you choose, make sure to dilute the fertilizer and apply it while watering your Burnet rose.
How can I make my Burnet rose grow better?
When using fertilizer for your Burnet rose, it's important to follow specific directions and conduct research on proper usage. Avoid over-fertilizing, so it's crucial to determine the correct amount to use. Generally, you can estimate the amount based on the tree's age or trunk diameter. Use about one-tenth of a pound of fertilizer per year or per inch of trunk, with a maximum of one pound. Apply granular fertilizers or organic fertilizers like blood meal by sprinkling them around the base of the tree, extending to the drip line (the area under the outermost branches). Be careful to not let the fertilizer touch the trunk. Over time, the granules will break down and filter into the soil, allowing the roots to absorb them. After fertilizing, spread a one-inch layer of compost around the base of the tree and water thoroughly.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
The Burnet rose benefits greatly from early spring pruning, which encourages a well-shaped plant and healthy blooms. To start, remove any dead or crossing branches and thin out older stems to improve air circulation. This plant can handle heavy pruning, which helps rejuvenate it and control its spread. For detailed care tips, refer to horticultural guides.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Rosa
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-9
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Turkey, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Iceland, Romania, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Serbia, China, Norway, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Mongolia, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Algeria, Azerbaijan