Rosa Roxburghii - chestnut rose

Rosa Roxburghii, known as chestnut rose in German, belongs to the Rosaceae family. This species is particularly valued because of its unusual, chestnut -like fruits and attractive flowers. Rosa Roxburghii was named after the Scottish botanist William Roxburgh, who documented many plant species in India and China in the 19th century. The genus Rosa comprises about 150 to 200 species that are widespread worldwide in moderate and subtropical zones. Rosa Roxburghii is at home in the mountain regions of China.

Morphological characteristics

Rosa Roxburghii is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 3 meters. The plant has a dense, bushy growth shape with strong, spiky drives. The spines are densely occupied and have a bristly, chestnut -like appearance, which has brought the plant to its German names "chestnut rose". The leaves are feathered and consist of 11 to 19 elliptical to lanceolate leaves that have a length of 2 to 4 centimeters. They are dark green and brighter and finely hairy on the top.

The flowers of Rosa Roxburghii are large, simple and shell -shaped, with a diameter of 6 to 8 centimeters. They are pink to light pink and have five petals and numerous golden yellow stamens that form a striking contrast. The flowering period ranges from May to July, with the flowers exuding a pleasant, mild fragrance. After flowering, large, spherical to oval, spiky rose hips develop, which have a diameter of about 3 to 4 centimeters and contain several seeds. The fruits are edible and have a high vitamin C content.

Ecological claims and distribution

Rosa Roxburghii prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and thrives best in well -permeable, slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant is relatively resistant to dryness and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy and stony floors. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures up to -15 ° C, which makes it suitable for cultivation in moderate climates.

The natural spread of Rosa Roxburghii extends over the mountain regions of China, including Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou. It typically grows in light forests, on forest edges and on open slopes. Due to its decorative properties and its edible fruits, it is also cultivated in gardens and parks in other parts of the world.

Cultural and gardening importance

Rosa Roxburghii has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where the fruits are valued for their high vitamin C content and their alleged health-promoting properties. The fruits are often consumed raw or processed into juices and jams. In Chinese folk medicine, they are used to treat gastrointestinal complaints and to strengthen the immune system.

In garden art, Rosa Roxburghii is appreciated because of its attractive flowers, unusual fruits and robust nature. The plant is well suited as an ornamental shrub, hedge plant or to stabilize slopes and embankments. They also make their spines an effective barrier against intruders.

Care and increase

The care of Rosa Roxburghii is relatively uncomplicated. The plant only needs minimal care as soon as it is established. An occasional pruning promotes a thicker growth shape and removes dead or damaged branches. The plant should be irrigated during longer dry periods to avoid stress, especially in the first years after planting. Regular fertilization with a balanced rose fertilizer supports growth and flower formation.

The propagation is mainly done by seeds or cuttings. The seeds often have to be subjected to cold traification to break the germ rest, which means that they have to be exposed to a period of low temperatures before they can germinate. Coats are taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a damp, well -permeable substrate.