Rosa carolina

Common Names

Carolina Rose, Pasture Rose

Summary

Carolina rose, a native wild rose in eastern and central North America, forms dense thickets by suckering; pink, fragrant flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by bright red hips that persist into fall and winter. It tolerates full sun to light shade and a wide range of well-drained soils from dry to moist, and is drought-tolerant due to a taproot. The plant attracts bees and butterflies and provides food for birds and small mammals.

In landscapes, it is used as a hedge, border, or for naturalized plantings and wildlife-friendly gardens; it propagates by seed, cuttings, or division and is hardy across a broad climate range.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

5-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal pH is specified, tolerates 4.0-7.0 (acidic to neutral) soils.

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, orange, and red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds are attracted