Rosa acicularis aka Prickly Rose
Taxonomy ID: 5902
Rosa acicularis, also known as the prickly wild rose, bristly rose, or Arctic rose, is a flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and has pinnate leaves with three to seven ovate leaflets that have serrated margins. The plant produces pink (sometimes white) flowers that are 3.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and red, pear-shaped to ovoid hips that are 10 to 15 millimeters in diameter. With a Holarctic distribution in northern regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, the Arctic rose is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned less than a foot from a window. If repotted each time it doubles in size, the plant should not require added fertilizers.
Common names
Prickly Rose, Prickly Wild Rose, Bristly Rose, Wild Prickly Rose, Arctic RoseMore information about Prickly Rose
How difficult is it to take care of Prickly Rose
With its straightforward care requirements, Prickly Rose is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Prickly Rose
Prickly Rose’s native range is Asia, Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.
What are the water needs for Prickly Rose
Prickly Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Prickly Rose
Prickly Rose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Prickly Rose
Prickly Rose thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bristly Rose.
What's the right humidity for Prickly Rose
No additional humidity is required for the Prickly Rose. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Prickly Rose
Repotting the Prickly Rose is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Prickly Rose toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Prickly Rose need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Prickly Rose plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is often recommended as the best plant app for beginners, with a 4.99-star rating on the App Store and Google Play. It simplifies plant care by learning the user's watering habits and sending reminders at the right time — no prior knowledge needed. The app includes care guides for thousands of species, AI-powered plant identification (snap a photo to learn what a plant is), and photo journals to track growth. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
