Whitewoolly rose
Rosa tomentosafam. Rosaceae
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. 292E — Rosa tomentosa
Rosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosaRosa tomentosa
IOverview
Overview
Whitewoolly rose (Rosa tomentosa) is a subshrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and can be found in habitats ranging from Baleares to Ireland, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, and Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is notable for its edible fruit and documented medicinal use. One distinctive feature of the whitewoolly rose is its light, 8/10 energy rating, making it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes. It thrives in moist conditions with soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its hardiness ranges from zone 5 to 9, allowing for cultivation in various climates. The plant's fruit and seeds are edible parts that can be harvested for use.
Quick answers
What is Whitewoolly rose?
Whitewoolly rose (Rosa tomentosa) is a subshrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and can be found in habitats ranging from Baleares to Ireland, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, and Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is notable for its edible fruit and documented medicinal use.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Whitewoolly rose thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-9. This subshrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and requires a pH between 7.5 and 8 for optimal growth. Propagation can be done through seeds or fruit parts. Ensure the plant receives adequate light, as it has an energy requirement of 8/10 for light exposure.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Whitewoolly rose for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Whitewoolly rose in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Whitewoolly rose plant, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the pH is between 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 2 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to help establish roots and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune in late winter or early spring. Fertilize once a year with composted manure in the spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Harvest flowers for decorative purposes if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The whitewoolly rose can be eaten, with its fruit and seeds being the parts used. The fruits are typically consumed fresh or dried, while the seeds may be roasted before eating. Both are often enjoyed raw but can also be incorporated into various dishes as needed.
Other uses:Hedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Czechoslovakia
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 (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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 · 292e5d48-0040-4172-9c28-ae78dace4c82
Decision aid
Choosing between Whitewoolly 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.