shrub

Cinnamon Rose

Rosa cinnamomea

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa majalis, historically known as Rosa cinnamomea, is a deciduous, upright-to-arching shrub native to Europe and Siberia that reaches heights of five to six feet. It features distinctive cinnamon-brown bark on mature stems and paired prickles at the nodes, bearing compound gray-green foliage with finely pubescent undersides.

This species is distinguished by its early-season pink to purplish-pink flowers, which appear as solitary blooms or in small clusters from spring to early summer. Cultivated forms frequently exhibit double flowers, and the plants develop a suckering habit that forms dense, protective thickets over time.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides early-season pink blooms followed by decorative red hips and attractive cinnamon-colored winter stems.

The suckering habit makes it highly effective for erosion control on slopes and banks.

Attracts native bees and generalist pollinators; the dense growth provides nesting cover for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Europe, Siberia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (stems have sharp prickles)

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with loam, clay, or organic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it grew in the container.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the stems.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to remove dead or crossing wood; shearing deeply into old, leafless wood prevents clean regrowth and reduces the following year's bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape.
Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Clear fallen leaves in autumn to reduce disease spores.

Don't

Do not shear the plant heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Do not over-fertilize, as this encourages excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hedges and barriersCottage gardensNaturalized areas

Companion Plants

Nepeta faassenii Salvia nemorosa Geranium rozanne

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cinnamon Rose questions

What zones can Cinnamon Rose grow in?

Cinnamon Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cinnamon Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cinnamon Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cinnamon Rose bloom?

Cinnamon Rose typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cinnamon Rose need full sun?

Cinnamon Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cinnamon Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cinnamon Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.