Rosa soulieana is a vigorous species rose native to the Hengduan Mountains of south-western China. Grown for its masses of creamy white flowers, attractive blue-green foliage and colourful hips, it is one of the finest wild roses for large gardens.
Unlike many modern roses, Rosa soulieana has a natural, informal habit. It produces long, arching canes that make it ideal as a rambling rose, informal hedge or living barrier. Given plenty of room, it rewards gardeners with a spectacular display of flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by attractive orange to yellow hips that provide colour well into autumn and winter.
Although vigorous, it can be pruned to maintain a more shrub-like shape if required.
At a Glance
- Botanical name: Rosa soulieana
- Common name: Species Rose
- Plant type: Deciduous shrub
- Origin: South-western China
- Height: 3–5 metres
- Spread: 3–5 metres
- Flowers: Creamy white with golden-yellow stamens
- Flowering: Late spring to early summer
- Foliage: Small blue-green fern-like leaves
- Hips: Orange to yellow in autumn
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained fertile soil
Quick Facts
Rosa soulieana is one of the most vigorous species roses, capable of producing over three metres of new growth in a single season. Its graceful arching canes, attractive foliage and ornamental hips make it an excellent choice where space allows.
The rose was first recorded by Jean André Soulié who was a French missionary. It has been in cultivation since the mid 1800s and is regarded as an important Wild Rose.
Growing Conditions
Rosa soulieana grows best in a sunny position but will tolerate light shade.
A fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter will encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Once established it is a reliable and adaptable rose that copes well with a range of soil types provided drainage is good.
Because of its size, choose a position where it has room to develop naturally.
Planting
Plant during autumn through to early spring while dormant, or at any time of year if purchasing container-grown plants.
Dig plenty of compost into the soil before planting and water well until established.
Allow ample room between plants if growing as a hedge, as this is a vigorous species capable of producing long arching canes each season.
Care
Rosa soulieana is a low-maintenance rose once established.
Water regularly during the first growing season, after which supplementary watering is usually only required during extended dry periods.
Apply a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base in late winter or early spring and mulch to help conserve soil moisture.
Feed with a balanced rose fertiliser in spring if required.
Pruning
Unlike many hybrid roses, Rosa soulieana requires only light pruning.
Remove dead, damaged or crossing stems and shorten overly long canes if necessary to maintain the desired shape.
Older plants can be rejuvenated by removing one or two of the oldest canes each winter.
Propagation
Rosa soulieana can be propagated from seed, although germination can be slow.
Hardwood cuttings taken during winter are another reliable method and will produce plants identical to the parent.
Species Rose vs Modern Garden Rose – What’s the Difference?
If you’ve mainly grown modern roses, you may be wondering what makes Rosa soulieana different.
A species rose is a naturally occurring wild rose that has evolved without the selective breeding used to produce modern garden roses. These are the original roses found growing in the wild and are valued for their natural beauty, vigour and adaptability.
Modern roses, including Hybrid Teas, Floribundas and many shrub roses, have been bred over many generations to produce larger flowers, repeat flowering and a wider range of colours.
| Species Roses | Modern Garden Roses |
|---|---|
| Naturally occurring wild species | Bred from species roses and hybrids |
| Usually flower once each year | Many flower repeatedly from spring to autumn |
| Simple, open flowers that attract pollinators | Often larger, double flowers with more formal blooms |
| Produce attractive hips after flowering | Some produce hips, many do not |
| Generally vigorous and disease resistant | Often require more feeding, pruning and disease management |
| Ideal for wildlife and naturalistic gardens | Best for formal rose gardens and cut flowers |
Rosa soulieana combines many of the qualities gardeners appreciate in species roses. It is vigorous, relatively easy to grow, produces masses of creamy white flowers, develops colourful hips and provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance rose with a natural appearance rather than perfectly formed blooms, a species rose such as Rosa soulieana is an excellent choice.
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