Australian wild rose Plant Care

Australian wild rose (Guichenotia alba) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Guichenotia genus. Australian wild rose is native to Western Australia. Australian wild rose is also known as white guichenotia.

Australian wild rose displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Australian wild rose produces showy tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Australian wild 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.

Australian wild rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Guichenotia alba tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Australian wild rose prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Australian wild rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Australian wild 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Australian wild rose is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11a.

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.

Australian wild 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 Australian wild 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.

Australian wild rose is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Australian wild rose can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to finger flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Australian wild rose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Australian wild rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Australian wild rose is native to Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Australian wild rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.