Wax Rose Plant Care
Rosa cerea Rössig ex Red.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rosa foetida, known by several common names, including Austrian briar, Persian yellow rose, and Austrian copper rose, is a species of rose, native to the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. It has yellow flowers with a scent which some find objectionable.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wax Rose?
Water Wax 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 Wax Rose Native To?
What Is the Wax Rose?
Wax Rose (Rosa cerea) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Wax Rose is native to the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia.
Wax Rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wax Rose?
Rosa cerea 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 Wax Rose Need?
Wax Rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wax Rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wax Rose Prefer?
Rosa cerea grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Wax Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wax Rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Wax Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wax Rose?
Feed Wax 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 Propagate a Wax Rose?
Wax 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 Wax Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wax 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 Wax Rose?
Wax 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 Wax Rose Need?
Wax Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wax Rose is native to the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. In cooler regions, grow Wax Rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Wax 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.
Wax 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 cerea Rössig ex Red., family Rosaceae (first published in Les Roses ; 1817 69 1817) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wax 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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