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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Rosaceae (Roses) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| California Native (Plant List): Yes |
| 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. Hardy to below 0°F and useful in USDA zones 5-10. Californica Rose seems immune to mildew and rust, diseases that plague cultivated roses and an established clump is dense and nearly impenetrable, which makes it a great choice for a screening hedge or barrier planting. To keep plant in a limited space, consider using a root barrier to contain lateral spread. Plantings can be rejuvenated by cutting to the ground in late summer or fall. 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 nice flower color and fragrance and a long bloom period. The name 'Elsie' honors Gene's mother.
This information about Rosa californica 'Elsie' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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