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Whitewoolly rose

Rosa tomentosafam. Rosaceae
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Rosa tomentosa (Whitewoolly rose) — botanical photograph
Pl. 292E — Rosa tomentosa
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Overview

Whitewoolly rose (Rosa tomentosa) is a subshrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to habitats ranging from the Baleares to Ireland, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, and Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is notable for its edible fruit and documented medicinal use. The whitewoolly rose thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), and prefers moist conditions. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9, making it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes. The plant's light, 8/10 energy rating indicates its adaptability to different environments, and it can be propagated through seeds or fruit parts. The whitewoolly rose's fruit and seeds are edible parts that can be harvested for use. 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. The plant's distinctive features include its light, 8/10 energy rating, which suggests it requires moderate light exposure, and its ability to grow in a range of soil types and moisture levels. While not typically cultivated for medicinal purposes, the plant has documented uses in traditional medicine, making it a valuable addition to both culinary and herbal gardens. It is important to exercise caution when using any part of the plant for medicinal purposes, as the safety and efficacy of such uses have not been scientifically validated.

Quick answers

What is Whitewoolly rose?

Whitewoolly rose (Rosa tomentosa) is a subshrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to habitats ranging from the Baleares to Ireland, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, and Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is notable for its edible fruit and documented medicinal use.

Compare with:Elm-Leaved Bramble→Musk Rose→Portugese laurel→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Skin Soother
skin
tincture
Used for soothing skin irritations.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

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. 1

    What you'll need

    Whitewoolly rose plant, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.

  3. 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. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nursery pots directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 2 meters apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to help establish roots and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Prune in late winter or early spring. Fertilize once a year with composted manure in the spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Harvest flowers for decorative purposes if desired.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.

VI

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
VII

Distribution

30 native · 32 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 30 native· 32 introduced
Europe39 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)Turkey
introduced (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, New York, North Carolina, Prince Edward I., Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Rosa tomentosa (Whitewoolly rose) — botanical photograph
Whitewoolly rose (Rosa tomentosa)
X

See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

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