Rosa minutifolia (Small-Leaved Rose)

Noted for its drought tolerance and tiny leaves, Rosa minutifolia (Small-Leaved Rose) is a semi-evergreen dense shrub adorned with gray to red-tinted branches densely covered with straight or slightly recurved spines. The foliage of minute, deeply incised, bright green leaflets, 1/4 in. wide (0.5 cm), distinguishes this native rose from all other roses. From early spring to mid-summer, it is covered with a profusion of lightly fragrant, tiny pink flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with yellow central stamens. They are followed by tiny dark reddish purple rose hips. Slow-growing, Rosa minutifolia remains fairly compact, unlike other wild roses. It is incredibly drought tolerant and easily survives as long as nine months without water. It will often grow and bloom in response to watering. This rose is known to be self-infertile, but seeds are produced readily in mixed stands. Native to coastal bluffs, mesas, and foothills of California and Baja California, Rosa minutifolia is a good choice for drought-tolerant gardens, especially in southern coastal California.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
• Best grown in full sun, in sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant to clay soils and drought. Water maximum once per month in summer after the plant is established.
• Do not prune.
• Perfect for coastal gardens, native plant gardens or bird gardens.
• Attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies, and birds.
• Do not remove spent flowers if you want to enjoy a beautiful crop of orange-red hips in fall and winter.
• Propagate by seed (no stratification is needed), cuttings, division, and layering.
• Native to California and Baja California.