Prairie rose, Rosa setigera, is a species rose native to North America.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, Rosa setigera bears single form roses with pink petals and yellow stamens. Prairie rose is a beacon for bees, and ridiculously healthy with the right growing conditions. It’s a fantastic choice for gardeners who are fairly casual when it comes to roses. It is at its best in informal settings.
Native habitat is thickets and clearings. Like swamp rose (Rosa palustris), prairie rose can handle wet soils.
Prairie rose is attractive in the garden in all seasons.
Rosa setigera only blooms once per year, from late spring into early summer for three to four weeks. The good attributes of quality garden roses are not just about the flowers. It has beautiful and healthy foliage, good fall color, and showy rose hips that persist into winter. It is often described as a thornless rose, and this is not correct. Thorns are not numerous on the canes but they are stout.
Prairie rose can be grown as a hedge. Moist, well-drained, soil is preferred, but standing water or persistently swampy conditions are not desirable. The roots need air circulation. It is not a good choice for xeric gardens or places prone to drought.
Rose Class: species
Size: Can be grown as a climber 12′-15′ or easily pruned to a shrub 4′-5′. Excellent along fences.
Disease resistance: Extremely disease resistant
Fragrance: Moderate to minimal
Bloom period: Late spring/early summer
Winter hardiness: 5-8
Of note: Often found in thickets, prairie roses can handle wet soil. It is native to central and eastern North America. Attractive year round due to healthy foliage, good fall color, and showy rose hips.