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Incense Rose Wikimedia Commons
Rosaceae

Incense Rose

Rosa primula

Aromatic grace and wild elegance.

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Rosa
Native to
Central Asia, western China
Bloom season
Late Spring
Type
deciduous shrub
Height
150–300 cm
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, poor to average
Water
low; drought-tolerant
Hardiness
4–8
Lifespan
perennial; long-lived shrub

Did you know

  • The fern-like foliage releases a strong incense-like fragrance when brushed, especially after rain.
  • It is one of the earliest species roses to bloom, often flowering before most other roses emerge.
  • The single five-petaled flowers last only a few days but are produced in profusion along arching stems.
  • Rosa primula was introduced to Western gardens by the plant hunter Reginald Farrer in the early 1900s.
  • Its fine, reddish thorns and delicate pinnate leaves give it year-round textural interest.

Color meanings

Pale Yellow

fragrant serenity

Cream

wild purity

Uses

  • species rose collections
  • fragrance gardens
  • mixed borders
  • informal hedges