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thornless rose

Name: thornless rose
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Smooth Wild Rose

Latin name Rosa blanda

Quantity per packet Minimum 20 seeds

This native shrub enhances biodiversity through its nectar-rich flowers and nutritious rose hips. It is also an outstanding low-maintenance choice for ecological and naturalistic landscapes.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameSmooth Wild Rose

Latin nameRosa blanda

FamilyRosaceae

TypeShrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 20 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0045

Product
description

Smooth Wild Rose (Rosa blanda) is a beautiful native shrub valued for its abundant blooms, exceptional hardiness, and its nearly thornless stems—a rare characteristic among wild roses. From June through August, its delicate pale pink to bright pink flowers brighten the garden while attracting an abundance of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its graceful natural habit, ease of cultivation, and excellent adaptation to Canadian climates make it an outstanding choice for wildlife hedgerows, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic landscapes that promote biodiversity.

Smooth Wild Rose thrives in well-drained sandy or rocky soils where many other shrubs struggle to establish. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and becomes highly drought tolerant once established. Its dense green foliage forms an attractive natural screen, while its limited number of thorns makes it much easier to maintain and better suited to family-friendly landscapes than most wild roses. Hardy and undemanding, this native shrub requires very little care and returns year after year with abundant flowers and a graceful, well-balanced form.

After flowering, Smooth Wild Rose produces abundant bright red rose hips that persist into autumn, providing an important food source for birds and small wildlife. These edible fruits are also prized for making herbal teas, jellies, syrups, and other traditional recipes rich in vitamin C. Combined with Shadblow Serviceberry, Wild Bergamot, Goldenrod, and Bush Honeysuckle, Rosa blanda creates ecological plantings filled with seasonal color, successive blooms, and abundant wildlife. With its natural beauty, outstanding ecological value, edible rose hips, and traditional uses, Smooth Wild Rose is one of the finest native shrubs for sustainable Canadian gardens.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after scarification and double stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth9 mm (0.35 in)

Spacing / density

1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 ft)

Germination temperature20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)

Germination time60 to 180 days (slow and variable)

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after scarification and double stratification. Suckers and stem cuttings may also be used to establish new plants.

Growing
method

Sow seeds in autumn or spring after scarification followed by double cold stratification to overcome natural dormancy. Plant the seeds about 9 mm (0.35 in) deep in a light, well-drained growing medium and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Germination is often slow and irregular, requiring patience. Young plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and in poor to moderately fertile soils, especially sandy or rocky sites. Once established, Smooth Wild Rose develops into a beautiful native shrub that supports biodiversity and requires little maintenance.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Well-drained sandy or rocky soil. This species thrives in light soils and tolerates relatively poor conditions once established.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is recommended during establishment and extended dry periods. Once rooted, this species tolerates relatively dry soils well.

Fertilization

A light application of compost each spring encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Rich soils are unnecessary and may reduce the plant's natural hardiness.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation. During summer, occasional watering is sufficient except during prolonged drought. After flowering, allow many blooms to develop into rose hips for wildlife and ornamental interest. Light pruning in late winter helps maintain a balanced shape. Once established, this hardy shrub requires very little maintenance.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal)

Smooth Wild Rose can be grown in a deep container of at least 40 L (10 gal) that allows ample root development. Use a well-drained growing medium enriched with compost and coarse sand or gravel to mimic its natural habitat. Water regularly during establishment, then less frequently as the shrub becomes established. Container growing makes it possible to enjoy its fragrant flowers and decorative rose hips on patios and in smaller gardens.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its abundant pink flowers attract a remarkable diversity of pollinators while its rose hips provide valuable autumn food for wildlife. Its nearly thornless stems also make it especially suitable for family gardens and wildlife hedgerows.

This native shrub enhances biodiversity through its nectar-rich flowers and nutritious rose hips. It is also an outstanding low-maintenance choice for ecological and naturalistic landscapes.

Garden use

Smooth Wild Rose is ideal for wildlife hedgerows, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. Its abundant pink flowers attract bees and butterflies, while its rose hips provide food for birds throughout autumn. It combines beautifully with Serviceberries, Goldenrods, and Wild Bergamot in biodiversity-focused plantings. Its relatively thornless stems also make it especially suitable for family-friendly gardens.

Bloom period

Pale pink to bright pink flowers bloom throughout summer, attracting abundant bees and other pollinating insects. Their delicate fragrance adds additional sensory appeal to the garden.

Flower colorPale pink to bright pink

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

Harvest rose hips from September through November. They are best collected after the first frosts, when their flavor becomes sweeter and more pleasant.

Fruiting

Bright red rose hips appear after flowering and persist well into autumn. They provide valuable food for wildlife and can be harvested for culinary use.

Wildlife appealBees and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height0.5 to 1.5 m (1.6 to 5 ft)

Spread1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.5 ft)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Wild Bergamot, Goldenrod, Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Avoid planting with

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Ligularia, Horsetail

Recipe
and inspiration

The rose hips of Smooth Wild Rose are edible when fully ripe in autumn. They are commonly used to prepare herbal teas, jellies, syrups, and other traditional recipes rich in vitamin C. The flower petals may also be used as edible garnishes or in specialty recipes. Beyond its culinary value, this native shrub has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is an excellent addition to edible native gardens.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Smooth Wild Rose seeds? +

Smooth Wild Rose seeds are generally sown in autumn or spring after scarification and double cold stratification. These treatments mimic natural conditions and greatly improve germination.

Are Smooth Wild Rose rose hips edible? +

Yes. The rose hips are edible, rich in vitamin C, and can be used to prepare herbal teas, jellies, syrups, and many traditional recipes.

Why is Smooth Wild Rose a good choice for ecological gardens? +

Its abundant flowers support a wide diversity of pollinators, while its rose hips feed birds and small wildlife in autumn, making it an excellent shrub for biodiversity.

Can Smooth Wild Rose be used in a wildlife hedge? +

Yes. Its naturally dense habit and ability to spread by suckers make it an excellent choice for wildlife hedgerows and naturalization projects.

Is Smooth Wild Rose really almost thornless? +

Yes. Compared with most native wild roses, Rosa blanda has very few thorns, making it easier to maintain and more suitable for family gardens.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.