| General Description | The climbing Prairie Rose is an attractive perennial shrub that can take on the characteristics of a vine. Branches that reach the ground tend to root and aid this plant in developing several meters tall and wide. This shrub has compound leaves with an alternate arrangement. Interestingly, there are usually five leaflets in an oblong or obovate shape with a serrate edge and leathery texture. Climbing Prairie Rose is known for having large pink flowers. This plant grows in the wilds of Ontario and is of special Concern to the Ontario government, meaning there is risk of future due to characteristics and identified threats. |
| ID Characteristic | When identifying this plant, look for its climbing or arching form. Climbing Prairie Rose also has greenish-red stems with thorns. Watch for pink flowers with yellow stamens and dark green palmately compound leaves. Additionally, be on the lookout for green buds that start broad and narrow as they progress to the tip. |
| Shape | Arching/climbing. |
| Landscape | Within the landscape, Climbing Prairie Rose finds its value because of its luscious pink flowers that attract pollinators and provides late spring to summer interest. Additionally, acting as a great accent plant. Moreover, it can be a great addition to a North American native garden. |
| Propagation | Growing by seed, collect in late summer, stratify for 4-5 months at 4 C (40 F) and place in alkaline soils that are well drained in full sun. Germination takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Grafting is possible. To graft successfully, graft in autumn. Propagation by cutting for this plant is an option as well. For propagation to be successful, take a secondary semi-hardwood cutting and mist intermittently in warm soil (25 C). Rooting takes place in 6-8 weeks. Cold treatment before warm can stimulate root growth. |
| Cultivation | This shrub enjoys full sun in silty, sandy or clay soil and is known to be fast-growing. |
| Pests | This species of rose is known to be more resilient but can still suffer from, Flea beetles, Rose midges, scale, sawflies, rust, powdery mildew leafhoppers, aphids and black spot. Additionally, the foliage is known to be eaten by deer, rabbits and goats. |
| Habitat | Rosa setigera can be found in prairies, thickets, meadows, roadsides and sometimes wetlands. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Young wood will be smooth and have a greenish red colour with large thorns. The bark will become bronze, grey, and lightly furrowed as the wood ages. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Green, softly pointed and green in colour. As the buds mature and open, they will be pink in colour. |
| Flower Description | Flowers are pink in colour and quite large, consisting of five petals. Gold stamens and a bright yellow pistil are within the centre of the flower. |
| Fruit Description | Forming in the autumn, the fruit or "hips" are cherry red and are approximately 2 cm in diameter. |
| Colour Description | Leaves are green with light green undersides in the spring and summer and turn bronze, yellow, or purple in the autumn. |
| Texture Description | Leaves near the veins are smooth, and edges are serrated. |