shrub

Moyes' Rose

Rosa moyesii

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa moyesii is a vigorous, deciduous species rose native to western China, growing as an upright, arching shrub with stout, hooked thorns and reddish stems. It produces flat to cupped single red flowers with prominent yellow central stamens from late spring into summer, followed by distinctive bottle-shaped red-orange hips.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally tall, fountain-like growth habit and its matte dark green, pinnately compound foliage that has a slightly sticky texture. Unlike modern hybrid roses, it retains a wild, architectural form and provides significant winter interest through its persistent, decorative hips.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking single red flowers in summer followed by large, decorative red-orange hips that persist into winter.

Its vigorous, thorny growth makes it an effective informal barrier or security hedge.

Attracts native bees and butterflies to its open blooms, while the winter hips provide food for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter to assist with moisture retention.
Plant the shrub at the same depth as its container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly after flowering or in late winter by removing only dead or crossing wood; cutting this species back hard like a modern hybrid tea destroys its arching form and eliminates the old wood where flowers develop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer annually in early spring to support vigorous growth.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain an open framework and remove damaged wood.

Don't

Do not shear the shrub or cut back into old, leafless wood, as it responds poorly and will not bloom.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which leads to root rot.
Do not overhead water in high-humidity conditions to minimize fungal leaf diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeSpecimen/Focal PointWild & Naturalistic GardenShrub Border

Companion Plants

Nepeta faassenii Salvia nemorosa Geranium rozanne

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moyes' Rose questions

What zones can Moyes' Rose grow in?

Moyes' Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Moyes' Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Moyes' Rose bloom?

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

Does Moyes' Rose need full sun?

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

Is Moyes' Rose drought tolerant?

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