Apple Rose (Rosa villosa)

Rosa villosa is an easy to grow broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage and pink flowers in spring, summer and fall followed by red and orange fruit. They are attractive to birds and bees. To grow well, it prefers sun and regular water. Grows happily in well-drained and average soil.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Rosa villosa, the apple rose, is a species of rose. It was described in 1753.

It is native to Europe, where it is found in the central, southern and southeastern parts of the continent, including southwestern Russia. It is most closely related to Rosa mollis, with which it is sometimes confused.

The apple rose is a densely branched, compact shrub that grows to heights of 1.5 to 2 m and often forms underground runners. The bark of the branches are dark brown and smooth. The bark of the younger branches is reddish, slightly frosted and mostly velvety soft hairy.

II. How to Grow and Care

Apple rose is recognized for its resilience and minimal care requirements. Key care needs include providing well-drained soil and ensuring full sun exposure to promote healthy growth and flowering. Special care points for apple rose are its tolerance to various soil types, making it versatile for different garden settings, and the need for occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming. The straightforward care needs of apple rose categorize it as an easy plant to care for.

Sunlight

Apple rose favors full sun and also can tolerate a half shade environment. In partial shade, it usually only grows leaves and does not bloom. Even if it has flower buds, the flower is neither gorgeous nor fragrant. As a result, it is recommended that gardeners ensure sunlight at least 6 hours per day during the growing season (but not necessarily in winter). In summer, it should be appropriately shaded to prevent overexposure to sunlight.

Temperature

Apple rose is widely distributed from cold temperate zones to tropical areas. It likes cool, ventilated environments and is not tolerant of high temperatures. The optimum temperature range is 15 to 26 ℃. Some species can tolerate temperatures as low as -26 ℃ and high temperatures of up to 35 ℃. When the temperature is below 4 ℃ in winter and above 30 ℃ in summer, the plant becomes semi-dormant and has poor growth. The flowers during this period will have a few small, white petals with a dim and lusterless color and are not good-looking at all.

Apple rose favors moist conditions but is not resistant to water-logging. It can tolerate moderate drought. Provide more water from budding to flowering, but reduce watering after blooming time. After blooming, wait to water again until the soil is basically dry to avoid any accumulation. Ensure good ventilation and drain excess water during the rainy season to prevent damage to its roots.

Watering

Apple rose thrives in well-drained soil, reflecting its origin in temperate regions where moderate rainfall is common. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture but has adapted to withstand periods of lower water availability. Accordingly, it benefits from watering once every three weeks. As apple rose is predominantly an outdoor plant, it’s important to consider the impact of seasonal rain patterns on its watering schedule, ensuring that natural precipitation complements its needs without leading to overwatering.

Soil

Apple rose can adapt to a variety of soil types and grows best in acidic soil which is fertile, loose, and water-drained. When planting in the garden, you should choose a place on higher terrain with sufficient sunlight, good air ventilation, and slightly acidic soil. Planting in high terrain helps avoid water accumulation in soil. Before planting, deeply loosen the soil and use organic fertilizer as base fertilizer. If planting as a potted plant, use humus-rich and slightly acidic sandy soil.

Fertilizing

Fertilize apple rose with balanced nutrition fertilizers, applying a 50g/m² dose monthly during growth, tapering off in late summer. This supports vigorous growth and abundant blossoms. Use slow-release granules or liquid feeds suitably diluted, and avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn. Adjust schedules and quantities for the plant’s life stage and seasonal changes. Use gloves, and mix granules into the soil to ensure even distribution and uptake. Water thoroughly post-application for effectiveness.

Planting Instructions

If planting potted apple rose in your garden, it’s best to find a suitable site with adequate sunlight, fertile soil, good drainage, and preferably a place that hasn’t been planted with any roses before. A field that previously grew roses may increase the probability of infection. Transplanting can be done in all seasons except winter.

First, dig a pit that is twice as big as the flower pot. Add a small amount of base fertilizer to the pit, and place the root system or root ball into the pit so that the root crown (where the aboveground part and the underground part connect) is at or slightly higher than the surface of the soil. Backfill and slowly compact the soil. A layer of organic mulch can be used to cover the soil surface for heat preservation of roots and also reduce the growth of weeds. Water thoroughly after transplanting and water often in the first week to avoid wilting caused by a lack of water.

If transplanting apple rose from one part of the garden to another, do it in fall to avoid the cold of winter. Water the plants three days before transplanting; this makes it easy to dig up and retain the root balls. Then, trim off the overlong branches and excessive leaves, leaving 3-4 branches per plant to reduce excessive consumption of nutrients and ensure its survival. Prune any unhealthy roots left after being dug up.

If a bare-root rose cannot be immediately planted after purchase, it can simply be placed into a pit and covered with soil. If it has already gone without water for some time, it’s better to soak its roots in water for half an hour before planting to help it recover. It is recommended to plant bare-root roses in gardens in the fall.

Pruning

Apple rose has a strong sprouting ability and grows luxuriantly. Without proper, timely pruning, it will attract diseases and pests in hot, humid, insufficiently lit, or poorly ventilated conditions. After the first bloom, the plant should be slightly pruned. Promptly cut off faded flowers and thin, overlapping branches, leaving only young and strong branches. During winter dormancy, careful pruning is recommended.

For vines, keep main branches at 2 to 3 m long and cut off the rest. For bush plants, cut 1.02 cm above full buds, prune the whole plant to 1/3 of its original height, and leave 4-6 thicker branches while ensuring that the overall shape of the plant meets your desired appearance.

Propagation

Apple rose thrives when propagated through cuttings, offering a straightforward approach for gardeners. Begin with healthy stem cuttings from a mature plant, targeting the section just below a leaf node as this area promotes root development. To support successful rooting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Regular misting ensures adequate humidity around the cutting, enhancing root formation. As they establish, provide mild, indirect light and consistent but not excessive moisture to foster robust growth, gradually acclimating them to their permanent growing conditions.

Transplanting

The best time to relocate apple rose is during the warmer embrace of late spring to the onset of summer, ensuring robust root establishment. Choose sunny spots with well-draining soil and remember, gentle handling promotes a seamless transition.

III. Harvesting and Storage

Apple rose produces excellent fresh flowers that can be pruned with sharp scissors as soon as they bloom. It is best to pick flowers in the morning to avoid loss of water through plant transpiration at noon. After picking, it is necessary to trim the base of the branch at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area. Quickly put the flower into a vase with clean water to avoid water loss.