Who doesn't like roses? This is one of the most popular varieties of flowers worldwide. Associated in many cases with romance and love, the truth is that there are so many varieties that we do not always know how to decide on just one. Therefore, on this occasion we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the multiflora rose.
A variety native to Asia that has become very popular in the gardening world, because its flowers have the peculiarity of sprouting in groups. As a curiosity, you can also find it under the name of bridal rose, baby rose or hobo rose.
Origin of the multiflora rose
This beautiful variety is native to eastern Asia, especially areas such as China, Japan and Korea. But due to its beauty it soon spread worldwide, and in the XNUMXth century it was brought to North America as an ornamental plant. In fact, in some regions it is even classified as invasive species because it has a good capacity to adapt and spreads quickly.
As we have just pointed out, the multiflora rose adapts well to different climates, which is why we find it in many European countries. But its natural habitat, the one that suits it best, is the one in which there are cold winters and warm summers.
Most notable characteristics of the multiflora rose
To get to know it better, let's talk about some of the main characteristics of this plant:
compound leaves
One of its distinctive features is that it has leaves composed of several small leaflets, between five and 11. This ensures that the plant, even when it is small, has a quite leafy and lush appearance.
Cluster-shaped flowers
As we have pointed out before, one of the peculiarities that makes this plant so attractive is that its flowers grow in small clusters.
Conclusion roses a little smaller than usual and are made up of five petals. With a white color that can be slightly pink.
Climbing plant
The multiflora rose has a stem capable of growing vigorously if it is in an environment whose conditions suit it. It is also a climbing stem with which you can form hedges if a support structure is provided.
Rosehip, the fruit of the multiflora rose
After flowering, the plant produces bright red, small, round fruits, known as rose hips.
This fruit is edible, has a flavor between acid and bittersweet, which has made it very popular for preparation of jams and for use in baking.
The rose hip is a good source of vitamin C and contains antioxidants such as vitamin A, E and carotenoids. Hence, in some regions it has had medicinal applications for decades. Because its high dose of vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and relieve colds.
Another peculiarity of this fruit is that rosehip oil is extracted from it, very popular for skin care for its moisturizing properties and its ability to improve the appearance of scars.
What care does the multiflora rose need?
We are in front of a plant resistant and relatively easy to care for. If you want it to grow strong and healthy, follow these tips:
The best location
It is one in which the plant receives direct sun for about six hours each day. In fact, the more light it receives, the more abundant its flowering will be.
However, it also copes well with some shade, but in this case you will notice that its flowering is less intense.
Culture medium
Multiflora roses need the substrate in which they are planted to have a good drainage capacity. prefer slightly acidic soils, with a pH around 6.5.
A soil rich in organic matter is ideal for this variety. You can add the same through pine bark, coconut bark or humus.
Irrigation conditions
During spring and summer the plant is in its active growing season and requires more water. You have to find a watering periodicity that allows you keep the soil moist but not soggy. This will depend a little on the region you live in and the temperatures reached during those seasons.
In any case, make sure do not waterlog the plant, because an excessive amount of water can rot its roots.
Pruning the multiflora rose
If you take care of it properly, it won't take long to realize that this plant has a fairly rapid growth rate. To keep it under control, there is nothing better than carrying out a annual pruning between late winter and early spring, always before it begins to sprout again.
With this you remove those parts of the plant that may be diseased, dead or damaged, and stimulate more vigorous growth.
During the flowering season, Cut off any wilted flowers. This way you encourage floral production to continue.
Support for this climbing plant
As we have said before, we are dealing with a variety of climbing stems. So that it can show off all its splendor, it is better that you give the multiflora rose a support on which to lean.
Then guide the stems towards the support and adjust them with zip ties or garden twine. You will see that it does not take long to become hooked naturally.
Winter care
This is a plant that is quite resistant to cold, but cannot withstand extreme temperatures. If you have it in an area with winters where temperatures are usually below freezing, you will have to protect it.
Apply a little straw or mulch near the stem to protect the roots against the cold, and cover the plant with a antidesiccant mesh so it doesn't freeze.
Plagues and diseases
A regular check of the stems, leaves and flowers will help you detect the presence of aphids or diseases such as powdery mildew. If you notice that something is wrong, address the problem as soon as possible.
With this care, your multiflora rose will grow strong and quickly, giving you a spectacle of flowers every season. Have you ever planted this variety in your garden? We would like to know your experience.