Rosa blanda aka Smooth Rose

Rosa blanda is a rose in the rose family. It sheds its leaves each year. People call it meadow rose or smooth rose. Its native range spans subarctic North America and parts of the United States. It grows in west-central and northeastern states, including the upper Midwest. Wild plants grow on rocky slopes and shores. They live in both dry and moist sites.

This shrub grows upright and sends up shoots called suckers. These shoots can form groups of plants called colonies. RHS gives a garden height of around 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Its account also allows somewhat taller plants, at 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. RHS lists a spread of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Suckers can spread the group beyond that width. The pale green leaves have several small parts called leaflets. The leaves fall in autumn. Stems have few prickles. Old canes may have small prickles near the base.

The sweet-scented flowers have five petals and a bright yellow centre. They grow in groups, in shades from pink to white. Each bloom can reach about 3 inches across. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from May to June. RHS gives midsummer for the one flush of bloom. Small red fruits called hips then form. Their shape is somewhat like a pear. Birds eat these fruits in winter. The flowers draw pollinators, which carry pollen between flowers. The plant also draws butterflies.

Full sun suits this rose best. It also accepts part shade and some drought. It grows well in rich soil with much organic matter. Keep soil moist, but let excess water drain away. It also grows in poor sand, clay, and garden loam. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Chicago lists USDA zones 3–6. RHS gives a UK rating of H7. Use it for hedges, ground cover, or as a specimen. Its spread also suits meadow and wildlife gardens. Leave space for new shoots beyond the main clump.

Aphids, mites, and scale insects may attack this rose. Leafhoppers, caterpillars, and sawflies may attack it too. Deer and rabbits can also harm it. Disease risks include black spot, rust, powdery mildew, and dieback. Replant disease and honey fungus pose risks too. Sources differ on whether people should eat the hips. PFAF lists fruit, flowers, and seeds as safe to eat with careful prep. It lists fruit for jam or tea, and flowers for sweets. Hairs around the seeds can irritate the mouth and gut. PFAF says to remove these hairs before using seeds. In contrast, RHS warns that people and pets should not eat the fruit.