Rosa xanthina aka Yellow Rose

Rosa xanthina, or Manchu rose, belongs to the rose family. This wild shrub rose comes from China, Korea, and Mongolia. It grows on open slopes and among scrub in central China. In gardens, it reaches about 6–9 feet (1.8–2.74 metres) tall. Its spread can reach 10 feet (3.05 metres). Upright canes bend outward to form a broad, rounded mound. This shape suits sites with room for the branches to spread.

The stems have a red cast and bear reddish-brown thorns. Green leaves line the canes, with seven to thirteen leaflets each. These small, broad, oval leaflets reach about one inch long. The leaves turn yellow in fall, according to Chicago Botanic Garden. Yellow flowers crowd the shrub during its main spring display. Reports describe single, semi-double, and double blooms. Flowers reach about two inches across and have a musky scent.

Bloom dates vary with the site and local climate. Missouri Botanical Garden reports flowers from late April into May. Chicago Botanic Garden records bloom in late May and early June. The main show lasts several weeks, with little repeat flowering. A few flowers may appear again in early fall. Red hips follow the blooms and range from round to oval. They mature in late summer and may remain into fall. Chicago notes that the fruit drops fairly early. The shrub attracts birds and butterflies.

Grow this rose in full sun for the best flowering. It accepts light shade, but sun also helps limit disease. Rich loam with good drainage and moderate moisture suits it best. It can also cope with poor soil and some dryness. Water deeply and regularly, while keeping water off the leaves. Mulch helps hold soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. Allow air to move freely through and around the shrub. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for USDA zones 5–9.

Use it in shrub borders, rose gardens, or tall, informal hedges. It also works as a specimen or in sunny groups. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its care needs as moderate. Potential rose diseases include black spot, mildew, and rust. Aphids, beetles, scale, and mites are among possible pests. Remove diseased foliage and clear fallen leaves to reduce disease pressure. The supplied sources give no guidance on edibility or toxicity.