Burr rose Plant Care
Rosa hystrix Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its sharp, bristly stems and uniquely textured leaves. Originating from North America, Rosa hystrix is highly sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful pink flowers and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Burr rose?
Water Burr 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.
What Is the Burr rose?
Burr rose (Rosa hystrix) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Burr rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Burr rose is also known as prickly rose.
Burr rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Burr rose produces none..
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Burr rose?
Rosa hystrix 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 Burr rose Need?
Burr rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Burr rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Burr rose Prefer?
Rosa hystrix grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Burr rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Burr rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Burr rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Burr rose?
Feed Burr 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 Burr rose?
"Rosa hystrix" should be repotted every 2-3 years in early spring.. 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 Burr rose?
Burr 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 Burr rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Burr 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 Burr rose?
Burr 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 Burr rose Need?
Burr rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Burr rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Burr rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Burr 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.
Burr 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 hystrix Lindl., family Rosaceae (first published in Ros. Monogr. : 129 (1820)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Burr 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Burr rose Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species