Rose - Rosa Laevigata

Common Name:
Cherokee Rose

Description:
Rosa laevigata, commonly known as the Cherokee Rose, is a vigorous, evergreen climbing rose native to southern China and naturalised in parts of Australia. This robust species rose is admired for its large, single, pure white flowers with golden stamens and a light, sweet fragrance. The blooms typically appear in early spring, offering a brief but spectacular display. Its glossy, dark green foliage is leathery and evergreen in mild climates like Melbourne’s, where it may retain much of its leaf cover year-round. Rosa laevigata is fast-growing and highly adaptable, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil. It is ideal for covering fences, large walls, or embankments and can even be used as a sprawling groundcover if not supported. Due to its dense growth and long, arching canes with sharp thorns, it also serves well as a security barrier. Best suited to rural or large gardens where space allows it to grow freely.

Form:

• Climber

• Shrub – Large (if unsupported)

Mature Size:

• Height: 4.0 – 6.0 m

• Width: 3.0 – 5.0 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• White

• Yellow stamens

Key Attributes:

• Perennial

• Bee Attracting

• Suitable for Espalier

• Evergreen in mild climates

• Fast Growing

• Suitable as a barrier or screening plant

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic, but stems have sharp thorns that may cause injury to pets or humans

Companion Plants:

• Wisteria (for mixed climber displays)

• Clematis (with complementary bloom times)

• Rosemary

• Lavender

• Grasses or hardy perennials to soften its base