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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.
Information displayed on this page about Rosa californica 'Elsie' is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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