Rosa setigera aka Prairie Rose

Rosa setigera is a fast-growing deciduous shrub with a trailing or climbing habit. Without support, it typically reaches 1-1.5 meters tall and spreads 2-2.5 meters wide via suckering stems. When provided with climbing support such as a fence, trellis, or adjacent vegetation, the arching stems can exceed 4 meters in length. The plant's vigorous growth means it needs ample space and may require pruning to control its spread in smaller gardens.

Rosa setigera is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 4-8 and UK hardiness zone 5. It tolerates winter temperatures down to approximately -30°C (-20°F), though in the coldest parts of zone 4, some dieback may occur. The plant enters dormancy in winter and is deciduous, shedding its leaves which turn attractive bronze, purple, or red colors in autumn before dropping.

Rosa setigera produces fragrant flowers from mid-June through July, blooming somewhat later than most other native roses. Each flower measures 5-8 centimeters across and features five light pink to rose-pink petals surrounding a golden center of stamens. The blooms have a mild, pleasant fragrance and gradually fade to white with age. This species blooms on new wood, meaning flowers appear on fresh growth produced each spring. Following pollination, bright red globular rose hips develop and persist through fall and winter.

Yes, Rosa setigera flowers are fragrant, though the scent is described as mild rather than intense. PFAF notes the flowers are fragrant, and NC State describes them as 'mildly fragrant.' The pleasant but subtle fragrance adds to the plant's appeal during its June-July bloom period.

The most notable cultivar is 'Serena', a thornless variety that offers the same beautiful pink flowers and wildlife value without the prickles. Rosa setigera has also been extensively used in breeding programs to develop climbing roses, contributing its disease resistance and climbing habit to various hybrids. The straight species remains popular for native plant gardens and wildlife habitat restoration.

Rosa setigera is exclusively an outdoor plant and cannot be grown as a houseplant due to its size and light requirements. It thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and is native to central and eastern North America. Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) with well-drained soil. It's ideal for native plant gardens, prairie meadows, informal hedges, and erosion control. Allow ample space for its spreading habit and provide climbing support if desired.

Rosa setigera is deciduous and enters dormancy in winter, requiring minimal care during cold months. The leaves turn attractive bronze, purple, or red in autumn before dropping. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since the plant blooms on new wood, renewal pruning can be performed every three years to maintain vigor. Leave rose hips on the plant through winter as they provide food for birds and wildlife.

Prune Rosa setigera in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Since it blooms on new wood, this timing ensures you won't remove flower buds. Renewal pruning every three years helps maintain plant vigor. Pruning may also be necessary to control the plant's spread, as it forms thickets through suckering. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing canes. Wear protective gloves as the plant has curved prickles along its stems.

Rosa setigera can be propagated through several methods. The plant naturally spreads via suckering stems, making division a simple approach. Stem cuttings taken in summer or early fall can be rooted successfully. Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Grafting is also possible but typically unnecessary for this vigorous species. The suckering habit makes it easy to transplant rooted sections to establish new plants.

While more disease-resistant than hybrid roses, Rosa setigera can be affected by several pests including flea beetles, aphids, scale, sawflies, borers, rose midges, leafhoppers, spider mites, and thrips. Disease susceptibility includes rust, black spot, rose rosette virus, and powdery mildew. Deer, rabbits, and goats may browse the foliage. Regular monitoring and prompt removal of affected plant parts helps maintain plant health.

Rosa setigera flowers are pollinated primarily by insects, particularly bees including honeybees, bumblebees, and various native bee species. Syrphid flies (hoverflies) also visit the flowers. The fragrant pink blooms with golden stamens attract a variety of pollinators during the June-July flowering period. This makes the Prairie Rose valuable in pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes.

Rosa setigera is native to central and eastern North America, with a range extending from New York and New Hampshire south to Florida, west to Texas, and north through Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ontario. It is the only climbing rose native to North America and the only native rose found in Canada. The species thrives in open prairie environments, woodland edges, savannas, fencerows, and thickets throughout its native range.

Yes, Rosa setigera has edible parts and receives an edibility rating of 3 out of 5 from PFAF. The rose hips (fruits) are the primary edible portion, containing exceptionally high levels of vitamin C and traditionally used to make teas, jellies, jams, and syrups. The flower petals can be eaten raw or used in preparations, and young leaves can be used in teas. Important note: the hips contain irritating hairs inside that must be carefully removed before consumption.

Rosa setigera has a medicinal rating of 2 out of 5 from PFAF. The rose hips are traditionally valued for their high vitamin C content, historically used to treat colds, boost immunity, and address vitamin deficiencies. The Slow Food Foundation notes traditional use for treating eye inflammation. Native Americans used various parts of wild roses (including related species) to treat colds, flu, stomach ailments, and skin irritations, though specific ethnobotanical data for this species is limited.

Rosa setigera has an other uses rating of 3 out of 5 from PFAF. The plant is valuable for erosion control on slopes and banks due to its spreading, suckering growth habit. It has been extensively used in horticultural breeding programs to develop climbing rose varieties, contributing disease resistance and climbing characteristics. The dense thickets provide excellent wildlife habitat and shelter. It also makes an effective informal hedge or barrier due to its thorny stems.

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Prairie Rose due to its easy-going nature.

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

Prairie 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.

Prairie 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 Climbing Wild Rose.

No additional humidity is required for the Prairie 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.

Repotting the Prairie 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.

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.