shrub

Alpine Rose

Rosa pendulina

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa pendulina, the Alpine rose, is a deciduous, nearly thornless shrub native to the mountain ranges of central and southern Europe. It reaches three to six feet in height, producing single, deep pink flowers with prominent yellow stamens in late spring, followed by elongated, drooping red hips that persist into winter.

This species is distinguished from most other wild roses by its virtually thornless reddish-purple stems and its pendulous, pear-shaped seed hips. The foliage turns clear yellow in fall, providing multi-season interest in cold-climate gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Virtually thornless stems, delicate pink spring flowers, and persistent pear-shaped red hips provide year-round interest.

Thornless habit makes it suitable for planting near pathways and seating areas where spiny roses would be hazardous.

Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the persistent winter hips provide a valuable food source for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to establish a deep root system, avoiding overhead irrigation.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool during summer.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy pruning; this species blooms on the previous year's wood, so only remove dead or crossing canes immediately after the spring flowering period.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Mulch the root zone annually to conserve moisture and mimic its native forest-edge habitat.
Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood in early spring before new growth begins.

Don't

Do not prune heavily in late winter, as this removes the flower buds formed during the previous season.
Avoid overhead watering, which encourages fungal diseases on the foliage.
Do not over-fertilize, which leads to 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
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage gardensRock gardensShrub bordersNaturalized areasWildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Campanula carpatica Geranium sanguineum Alchemilla mollis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Alpine Rose questions

What zones can Alpine Rose grow in?

Alpine 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 Alpine Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Alpine Rose bloom?

Alpine 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 Alpine Rose need full sun?

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