Photo: Toby YCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cherokee Rose Plant Care
Rosa laevigata Tausch ex Opiz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking contrast against its fragrant white flowers, making it a standout in any garden. Originating from China, Rosa laevigata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its historical significance as one of the first species of roses to be cultivated for its beauty.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cherokee Rose?
Water Cherokee 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. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
What Is the Cherokee Rose?
Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Cherokee Rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Cherokee Rose is also known as Chinese Rose, South China Rose.
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Rose?
Rosa laevigata 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 Cherokee Rose Need?
Cherokee Rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cherokee Rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cherokee Rose Prefer?
Rosa laevigata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cherokee Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cherokee Rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Cherokee Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cherokee Rose?
Feed Cherokee 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 Cherokee Rose?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Rosa species (which includes Cherokee Rose). View the ASPCA entry
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 Cherokee Rose?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Rose Need?
Cherokee Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cherokee Rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Cherokee Rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cherokee 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.
Cherokee Rose 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: Rosa laevigata Tausch ex Opiz, family Rosaceae (first published in Boehm. Gew. (1823) 61.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Rosa species (which includes Cherokee Rose) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Toby Y, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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