Description

The dwarf rose is found in a range of habitats from San Luis Obispo County north to Oregon and beyond. It becomes more wide ranging as one moves north in its range. In the SF Bay Area one encounters this little rose in shady settings along wooded trails. Thin branches, small size and dark green leaves render it almost invisible until the pink flowers appear in the spring. The rose hips that follow are a quite luminous red-orange. The dwarf rose grows as a vase shaped little shrub with bristled branches. It is fairly open in structure. Unlike other roses, it does not grow very large or robustly, and will not spread aggressively in the garden. While it tolerates a variety of settings, some shade protection and at least moderately well-draining soil seem best. The dwarf rose is sensitive to excess water.