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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rosaceae (Roses) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 4-8 feet |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: < 0 °F |
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Rosa californica 'Elsie' (California Rose) - Rosa californica, the California Wild Rose, is an attractive native California shrub that can eventually form large spiny thickets to 4-8 feet tall from suckering roots. It has compound dark green leaves (to 7 leaflets) and beautiful 1 1/2 wide fragrant bright pink flowers that open from long pointed buds. Flowering commences here in late April and continues on through mid summer. In the cooler bay area blooming can begin as late as June. Flowering is followed by bright red hips to 1/2 inch in diameter. In fall there are often both flowers and hips on display. Although native to cool shaded canyons this plant thrives and blooms better in full sun when given adequate water. Can be also very useful in dry light shade where it requires little to no supplemental irrigation. R. californica seems immune to mildew and rust, diseases that plague cultivated roses. Hardy to USDA zones 5-10. The species grows throughout the Western United States and is quite variable; our selection was collected by Gene Leisch from wild stands near Mono Debris Dam in the Santa Barbara foothills where it is found in association with poison oak and coast live oak. It was noted for its flower color, fragrance and a long bloom period. The name 'Elsie' honors Gene's mother.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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