Moyes’ rose Rosa moyesii
Moyes’ rose (Rosa moyesii) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Western China (Sichuan, Yunnan) and eastern Tibet. It grows 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Moyes’ rose at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: hips (seeds and hairs removed; syrup, jelly, tea) |
| Native to | Western China (Sichuan, Yunnan) and eastern Tibet |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Moyes’ rose toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the hairs inside the hips irritate skin and the gut, so strain them out.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moyes’ rose
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Moyes’ rose
- How far apart should I plant Moyes’ rose?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Moyes’ rose need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moyes’ rose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moyes’ rose?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Moyes’ rose flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Moyes’ rose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the hairs inside the hips irritate skin and the gut, so strain them out.
- What grows well with Moyes’ rose?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A tall wild rose with single flowers of blood red in early summer and large, flagon-shaped orange-red hips in autumn. Introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1903 and named after the missionary J. Moyes; the hybrid ‘Geranium’ is a more compact garden form.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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