Rosa foliolosa aka White Prairie Rose

Rosa foliolosa is a small shrub in the rose family. Its native range spans the central United States to Arkansas. Common names include leafy rose and white prairie rose. It loses its leaves in autumn and spreads by suckers. These shoots help it form a low, bushy thicket.

Plants stand about 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] tall. The listed garden height reaches 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Its spread can also reach 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The greenish-purple stems lack thorns and carry leaves along their length. Soft hairs cover the leaflets, which have a slight sheen. The dark green leaves turn orange-gold before they fall.

The flowers open in late summer and have a scent. Despite the name white prairie rose, RHS describes bright cerise-pink blooms. Each single flower can span about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres]. Earlier flowers can give rise to small, round, red hips. Leave spent flowers in place if you want these fruits. RHS warns that people and pets should not eat them. It also advises gloves and other protection when handling plants.

This rose grows best in full sun and fertile soil. It favours soil rich in humus that drains well but stays moist. It accepts clay, chalk, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Sites may be open to the weather or sheltered. RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This covers winter lows of about −15 to −10°C. Add well-rotted organic mulch in late winter or early spring. RHS recommends rose or shrub feed in early spring and early summer.

Its low form suits beds, borders and small garden spaces. RHS also lists cottage, wildlife, city and courtyard gardens as uses. The flowers can be cut for indoor use. Pests may include aphids, scale insects, leafhoppers, caterpillars and several sawflies. Deer and rabbits can damage plants too. Possible diseases include black spot, rust, powdery mildew and dieback. Replant disease and honey fungus may also occur. Flower balling and rose blindness are further possible problems. Cuttings, seed and summer chip budding offer ways to raise plants. Seeds need stratification and may take two seasons to germinate.