Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata)
The fragrant Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) is a vigorous, thorny evergreen climber perfect for screens in USDA Zones 7-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Cherokee rose, scientifically known as Rosa laevigata, is a historically significant and vigorous rambling plant, often grown for its showy spring display of intensely fragrant, single white flowers. Native originally to Southern China, this rose has naturalized widely across the southeastern US, acquiring its common name through its early distribution by Cherokee Indians. It offers significant utility in the landscape, capable of covering large structures or functioning as a dense, thorny barrier.
While technically classified as a deciduous shrub, it often remains evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round structure. Rosa laevigata produces eye-catching flowers in May, followed by large, bristly orange-red hips that add late-season interest. Gardeners seeking a fast-growing, low-maintenance structural element with exceptional fragrance should consider incorporating the adaptable Rosa laevigata.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: Southern China to Vietnam
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-20 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Cherokee rose is best done in late winter or early spring when dormant, allowing it to establish before summer heat. Select a location that provides full sun exposure for the best flowering performance and disease resistance, although light shade is tolerated. Rosa laevigata thrives in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained loams.
Care requires attention to hydration and cleanliness. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring morning watering that avoids wetting the foliage overhead to discourage fungal issues. Good air circulation is vital for healthy growth and preventing foliar diseases common to roses. Apply a summer mulch to maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Maintenance for this rose involves diligent cleanup to prevent disease carryover. Remove and destroy any diseased leaves during the growing season, and perform a thorough cleanup of all dead leaves from the ground during late winter dormancy. Pruning should be performed as needed in late winter to control size and shape, especially when training it as a climber.
Landscape Uses
The strong, arching, thorny stems of the Cherokee rose make it an excellent choice for functional plantings. It excels when trained up sturdy trellises or fences, quickly creating a dramatic, flowering vertical accent. Where security or boundary definition is needed, its dense growth and hooked thorns render it an effective, natural screen or barrier plant.
For large, open areas, allow the Rosa laevigata to sprawl naturally, forming a handsome, mounded shrub. It is also invaluable for naturalizing in less formal settings, such as covering banks or sprawling over low walls where minimal intervention is desired. Due to its aggressive nature in certain regions, avoid planting it near delicate perennials unless containment is managed.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rosa laevigata is a climbing rose native to fields, thickets, farms and low-elevation mountain areas in China. It was first brought to the U.S. In early colonial times. At one point, it acquired the common name of Cherokee rose (which it retains) in large part because it was being cultivated and widely distributed by Cherokee Indians. In 1916, under the mistaken belief that it was a U.S. Native plant, it was designated as the state flower of Georgia. Flowers are followed by large, bristly orange-red hips.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
This species rose is generally robust and often avoids the pest and disease issues plaguing hybrid tea roses. However, Rosa laevigata has the potential to spread somewhat aggressively in certain parts of the southeastern U. S., requiring attention to its placement. While healthier than many roses, general rose issues may still occur.
Potential disease problems include black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Management involves practicing proper pruning for air circulation and diligently cleaning up leaf litter in both summer and winter. If pests appear, inspect closely for aphids, scale, leafhoppers, and spider mites.
If aggressive spreading becomes an issue, heavy reliance on its hardiness and vigor can be managed through aggressive late-winter pruning or by utilizing it strictly where physical barriers can contain its reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cherokee rose suitable for?
The Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) is hardy and best grown in USDA Zones 7 through 9.
How large does Rosa laevigata grow?
This plant can reach heights between 6 and 20 feet, with a spread typically ranging from 3 to 6 feet, depending on whether it is sprawling or climbing.
What sun exposure does Rosa laevigata need?
Rosa laevigata requires full sun for optimal flowering and disease resistance, although it can tolerate small amounts of light shade.
When does Cherokee rose bloom?
The prominent bloom time for this species is in May, producing beautiful single white flowers.
Conclusion
The Cherokee rose remains a classic garden favorite, valued for its vigorous climbing habit, intense springtime fragrance, and historical significance. Its ability to serve as a tough screen or an elegant floral drape makes Rosa laevigata extremely functional. Assess your site conditions to ensure it receives the necessary full sun, and plan for its vigorous growth when integrating this beautiful rose into your landscape this planting season.
Companion Planting
Because Rosa laevigata is thorny and vigorous, pairing it with plants that appreciate similar growing conditions (full sun, medium water) but occupy different vertical space works best. Consider planting shorter perennials or groundcovers below to stabilize soil and mulch the base without impeding air flow. Low-growing Geraniums (Cranesbill), hardy Salvias, or Liriope work well near its base for textural contrast while maintaining a medium water profile.
Design Ideas
When using the Cherokee rose as a barrier, plant it along property lines or bordering utility areas where its dense, thorny foliage provides a virtually impenetrable hedge. Alternatively, use it to soften the harsh lines of large, utilitarian structures like sheds or storage buildings, allowing it to sprawl naturally or guiding it upward. In formal settings, establish a repeating rhythm by placing large specimens where they can completely cover an archway or pergola, maximizing the impact of the May bloom.
