Scots Briar Plant Care

Scots Briar (Rosa pimpinellifolia) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Scots Briar is native to western, central and southern Europe and northwest Africa. Scots Briar is also known as Burnet Rose.

Scots Briar displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Scots Briar produces the flowers of rosa pimpinellifolia are small, white, and fragrant with a simple five-petal structure..

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Rosa pimpinellifolia 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.

Scots Briar thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Scots Briar in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Rosa pimpinellifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Scots Briar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Scots Briar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scots Briar 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot Rosa pimpinellifolia every 2-3 years in the spring to ensure optimal growth and health.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Scots Briar can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Scots Briar 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.

Scots Briar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Scots Briar is native to western, central and southern Europe and northwest Africa.