Photo: Trevor Van LoonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rose root Plant Care
Chamaerhodos erecta (L.) Bunge
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its small, round, silver-gray leaves, Chamaerhodos erecta hails from the high alpine regions of western Asia. This dwarf shrub's compact size, unique foliage color, and ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained soil make it a coveted addition to rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rose root?
Plant Rose root in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 3a–7b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Rose root Native To?
What Is the Rose root?
Rose root (Chamaerhodos erecta) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Chamaerhodos genus. Rose root is native to Asia and North America. Rose root is also known as Ground rose, Alpine rose.
Rose root displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Rose root produces small pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rose root?
Water a young or newly planted Rose root 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Rose root Need?
Rose root thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rose root Prefer?
Chamaerhodos erecta tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Rose root prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rose root?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Rose root to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rose root?
Feed Rose root 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Rose root?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Rose root is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 7b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Rose root?
Rose root can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.
How Do You Prune a Rose root?
Prune Rose root 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.
How Do You Care for a Rose root in Winter?
Rose root is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Rose root?
Rose root can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chamaerhodos altaica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rose root Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rose root, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rose root?
Rose root is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, rose slugs. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rose root Need?
Rose root grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Rose root is native to Asia and North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Rose root is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chamaerhodos genus — compare its care with other Chamaerhodos species on PlantoScan.
Chamaerhodos is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Rose root thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chamaerhodos erecta (L.) Bunge, family Rosaceae (first published in Fl. Altaic. 1: 430 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rose root, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Trevor Van Loon, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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