Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Macartney Rose Plant Care
Rosa bracteata Moench
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rosa bracteata, also known as the Macartney rose, stands out for its unique fern-like foliage and vigorous climbing habit. This species is native to China and has become popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to cover fences and arbors with elegant, white flowers.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Macartney Rose?
Water Macartney Rose every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Macartney Rose Native To?
What Is the Macartney Rose?
Macartney Rose (Rosa bracteata) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Macartney Rose is native to southern China and Taiwan that has become invasive in parts of the United States following its introduction as an ornamental plant. Macartney Rose is also known as Bride's Bonnet.
Macartney Rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Macartney Rose produces the flowers of rosa bracteata are small, white, and delicate in appearance..
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Macartney Rose?
Rosa bracteata requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Macartney Rose Need?
Macartney Rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Macartney Rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Macartney Rose Prefer?
Rosa bracteata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Macartney Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Macartney Rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Macartney Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Macartney Rose?
Feed Macartney Rose every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Macartney Rose?
Repot Rosa bracteata every 2-3 years in early spring to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Macartney Rose?
Macartney Rose can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Macartney Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Macartney Rose, 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 Macartney Rose?
Macartney Rose is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Macartney Rose Need?
Macartney Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Macartney Rose is native to southern China and Taiwan that has become invasive in parts of the United States following its introduction as an ornamental plant.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Macartney Rose 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 Rosa genus — compare its care with other Rosa species on PlantoScan.
Rosa is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Macartney Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rosa Species
Other Rosa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rosa bracteata Moench, family Rosaceae (first published in Supplementum ad methodum plantas ; 1802 290 1802) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Macartney Rose, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, 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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