vine

Evergreen Rose

Rosa sempervirens

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa sempervirens, the evergreen rose, is a vigorous climbing shrub native to southern Europe and North Africa, characterized by its long, flexible, arching stems that scramble over structures. The pinnate foliage remains glossy and dark green through mild winters, providing a year-round backdrop for the clusters of white flowers that open in late spring.

Unlike most wild roses, this species retains its leaves in all but the coldest climates, making it highly effective for year-round screening. The single, five-petaled white blossoms feature prominent golden-yellow stamens and mature into small, orange-red hips by fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage and a dense display of white flowers in late spring.

Excellent for stabilizing large banks or quickly covering unsightly fences and walls with thorny, protective growth.

Provides pollen for native bees and hoverflies, while the autumn hips serve as a food source for perching birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

236"

Width

196"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southern Europe, Mediterranean basin, North Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location receiving at least five to six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure optimal flowering.
Provide fertile, well-drained soil, incorporating organic matter to improve moisture retention without creating waterlogged conditions.
Install a sturdy trellis, fence, or wall support to guide the long, flexible canes as they scramble upward.
Water deeply during dry spells in the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning this species into a rigid, stubby dome like a modern bush rose; shearing back into old, leafless wood prevents new buds from breaking and destroys the arching framework needed for flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually immediately after the summer flowering wave to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Apply a balanced organic rose fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to minimize the risk of powdery mildew and black spot.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as these stems fail to produce new buds.
Avoid overhead watering, which leaves foliage wet and increases susceptibility to fungal diseases.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which quickly leads to root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Climbing screenWall coverLarge-scale bank stabilizerCottage garden background

Companion Plants

Clematis viticella Lavandula angustifolia Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Evergreen Rose questions

What zones can Evergreen Rose grow in?

Evergreen Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Evergreen Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Evergreen Rose bloom?

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

Does Evergreen Rose need full sun?

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

Is Evergreen Rose drought tolerant?

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