Cherokee Rose Rosa laevigata

Cherokee rose is a woody, deciduous, sprawling shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) that is native to central and southern China to Vietnam and Taiwan. It was brought to the United States during colonial times and cultivated by the Cherokee. 

This vigorous fast growing vine will grow 15-33 feet tall and scramble over shrubs and trees for support. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and moist soil. Water deeply and regularly. A summer application of mulch helps retain moisture. Cherokee rose tolerates a wide range of soil types, even poor soil. The best flowering and disease resistance occurs in full sun. While it is typically grown as a climber, it can be pruned into a 6-foot shrub. Pruning should be accomplished in the late winter. 

The canes have numerous hooked prickles, glossy dark green leaves, and showy fragrant 2-4 inch single white flowers with yellow stamens that attract butterflies. Rose hips will follow.

A rock wall or other vertical space in a butterfly or pollinator garden is an ideal location for this climbing rose.   Cherokee rose may spread aggressively in the southeastern United States and is listed as invasive in some. Please choose less aggressive rose vines. See a few options listed to the left.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fuller rose beetles, Japanese beetles, rose chafer, rose thrips, southern red mites, and two spotted mites are pest problems for roses. Disease problems include botrytis, blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots, and anthracnose. See pests of roses to the left. Deer will browse roses.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.