Rosa pendulina aka Mountain Rose

Taxonomy

Rosa pendulina, also known as the Alpine rose or mountain rose, is a wild rose species that can be found in the mountains of central and southern Europe. This resilient plant has managed to survive in glacial refugia in the Alps and Carpathians before spreading to other regions. It is a climbing shrub with beautiful deep pink flowers and relatively few thorns. Widely cultivated for its ornamental value, Rosa pendulina is a spreading rose that typically reaches a height of 1.2m. Its reddish-purple stems are almost thornless and gracefully arch, complemented by dark green foliage. During midsummer, this deciduous shrub blooms with lightly-scented, dark pink flowers featuring prominent yellow stamens. These lovely blooms are followed by plump, elongated bright red fruit, also known as hips. With its hardiness extending to temperatures as low as -30C, the Mountain Rose is a stocky shrub that can grow up to 2m in height.

Common names

Mountain Rose, Alpine Rose, Drooping Rose

How to care for Mountain Rose

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Mountain Rose, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Mountain 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

Mountain 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 Drooping Rose.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Mountain Rose plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Mountain Rose does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Mountain Rose has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia