Sherard's downy rose
Rosa sherardii
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 4744 — Rosa sherardii
Rosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardiiRosa sherardii
IOverview
Overview
Sherard's downy rose (Rosa sherardii) is a shrub native to regions in Europe including Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, and Ukraine. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4-8, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range. One distinctive feature of Sherard's downy rose is the presence of downy hairs on its leaves and stems, giving it a soft texture. The plant's fruit can be enjoyed for culinary purposes, adding a unique flavor to jams or desserts.
Quick answers
What is Sherard's downy rose?
Sherard's downy rose (Rosa sherardii) is a shrub native to regions in Europe including Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, and Ukraine. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Sherard's downy rose used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Sherard's downy rose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Sherard's downy rose appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Rosa species have a long history in traditional medicine for aiding digestion, often consumed as a tea or decoction. Sherard's downy rose may help with digestive discomfort due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.
The presence of anthocyanins and other polyphenols can reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and promote healthy gut motility, though specific compounds for Sherard's downy rose are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sherard's downy rose support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sherard's downy rose thrives in moist, well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture. It prefers partial to full sunlight and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Ensure the soil pH remains between 7 and 7.5 for optimal growth. This shrub is native to a wide range of European countries and can be cultivated for its edible fruit and seeds.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Sherard's downy rose for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Sherard's downy rose in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Sherard's downy rose plant, garden gloves, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH of 7–7.5, and amend it with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 2-3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter before new growth starts to encourage healthy blooming and shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, using incorrect soil pH, and planting too close together.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Sherard's downy rose is edible and its fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also edible but typically not consumed directly. The fruits may be enjoyed fresh or dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native· 1 introduced
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandNetherlandsNorwayPolandRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
introduced:Vermont
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 474407a1-5686-456a-8a55-b9f3887f6c93
Decision aid
Choosing between Sherard's downy rose and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.