Rosa carolina is a native wild rose with a graceful suckering habit and single pink blooms that appear in early summer. Its bright yellow stamens attract pollinators while its red hips provide seasonal interest and wildlife value through fall and winter.
Height & Spread: 3 - 6 ft x 3 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry soil; adaptable to sand, clay, and loam
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant; may be browsed when young
Native Status
Rosa carolina is native to eastern North America, commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts adult butterflies and supports native species such as the Gray Hairstreak and Silvery Checkerspot.
Bees
- Flowers are a valuable nectar source for native bees, including mining bees and sweat bees.
Birds
- The bright red hips are consumed by songbirds such as Northern Cardinals, Cedar Waxwings, and American Robins.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart to allow for natural spreading and thicket formation.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for native hedgerows, wildlife gardens, open woodlands, and naturalized borders.
Companion Plants
- Amsonia tabernaemontana (Eastern Bluestar) - Adds airy texture and spring blooms that complement Rosa carolina's form.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Brings pollinator activity and midsummer color to native rose groupings.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Offers bold blooms and attracts butterflies throughout summer.
- Solidago rugosa (Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod) - Provides late season yellow blooms and beneficial insect support.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds vivid orange flowers and Monarch habitat alongside Rosa carolina.