River Rose Plant Care

River Rose (Bauera rubioides) belongs to the Cunoniaceae family within the Bauera genus. River Rose is native to south-eastern Australia. River Rose is also known as Native Rose, Pink Bauera.

River Rose displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. River Rose produces small pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted River Rose every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

River Rose thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Bauera rubioides tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. River Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for River Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed River Rose every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

River Rose is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

River Rose can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune River Rose while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

River Rose is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

River Rose can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bauera capitata plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

River Rose is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

River Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. River Rose is native to south-eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow River Rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.