Smooth-leaved rose Plant Care
Rosa leiophylla Sumnev.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rosa leiophylla is known for its striking silver-green leaves that have a smooth, glossy texture. Native to the coastal regions of California, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Smooth-leaved rose?
Water Smooth-leaved 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 Smooth-leaved rose Native To?
What Is the Smooth-leaved rose?
Smooth-leaved rose (Rosa leiophylla) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Smooth-leaved rose is native to Central Asia, Tibet and Xinjiang in China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalayas, and Nepal. Smooth-leaved rose is also known as California rose.
Smooth-leaved rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Smooth-leaved rose produces pink or white flowers with a delicate fragrance..
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smooth-leaved rose?
Rosa leiophylla 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 Smooth-leaved rose Need?
Smooth-leaved rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Smooth-leaved rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smooth-leaved rose Prefer?
Rosa leiophylla grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Smooth-leaved rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smooth-leaved rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Smooth-leaved rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smooth-leaved rose?
Feed Smooth-leaved 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 Smooth-leaved rose?
Repot "Rosa leiophylla" every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins.. 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 Smooth-leaved rose?
Smooth-leaved 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 Smooth-leaved rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smooth-leaved 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 Smooth-leaved rose?
Smooth-leaved 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 Smooth-leaved rose Need?
Smooth-leaved rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Smooth-leaved rose is native to Central Asia, Tibet and Xinjiang in China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalayas, and Nepal.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Smooth-leaved 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.
Smooth-leaved 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 leiophylla Sumnev., family Rosaceae (first published in Not. Syst. Herb. Inst. Bot. & Zool. Acad. Sci. Uzbekistan. viii. 25 (1947).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smooth-leaved 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 5a – 8b, 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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