Rosa chinensis aka Bengal Rose

Taxonomy

Rosa chinensis, also known as the China rose or Chinese rose, is a shrubby plant native to Southwest China in Guizhou, Hubei, and Sichuan Provinces. It reaches a height of about 90cm and has an open habit with dark green foliage and a few scattered broad thorns. This rose produces semi-double crimson-red blooms, occasionally streaked with white in the center, and flowers continuously from summer into autumn. The first publication of Rosa chinensis was in 1768 by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin. Cultivated for centuries in East Asia and since the late 18th century in Western Europe, popular cultivars include 'Old Blush China', 'Mutabilis' (Butterfly Rose), and 'Cramoisi Superieur'. The leaves of Rosa chinensis are pinnate with 3-5 leaflets, and the flowers have five pink to red petals. The plant forms thickets or grows in hedges, and its fruit is a red hip measuring 1-2 cm in diameter. The branches are strong and stalk-round, with purplish-brown bark, and may or may not have curved, stocky, flat spines. Overall, Rosa chinensis is a beautiful and versatile shrub with a long history of cultivation.

Common names

Bengal Rose, China Rose, Chinese Rose

How to care for Bengal Rose

Difficulty

Bengal Rose is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Bengal Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bengal 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.

Lighting

Bengal Rose requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Bengal Rose will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Bengal Rose is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Bengal Rose does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Bengal Rose should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Bengal Rose’s native range is Asia, Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.

Flower

If you provide your Bengal Rose with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia