Rosa moyesii
A tall wild rose from western China with striking red or pink summer flowers
Rosa moyesii is a large, deciduous shrub native to western China, known for its flat red or pink flowers that bloom in summer and its distinctive bottle-shaped hips in autumn. Grown for its ornamental value and used in rose breeding, it has also produced popular garden varieties.
- Native to western China and Tibet
- Grows up to 4 meters tall
- Produces bottle-shaped rose hips in autumn
- Hybrid 'Geranium' has won a major garden award
What does Rosa moyesii look like?
This rose grows as a tall, spreading shrub, reaching up to 4 meters in height and 3 meters across. Its leaves are a muted green and not shiny. The flowers are broad and open, appearing in shades of red or pink, with a cluster of yellow stamens at the center. In autumn, the plant produces unusual, bottle-shaped fruit known as rose hips.
Where does Rosa moyesii come from?
Rosa moyesii comes from the wilds of western China, including the Tibet region. It was discovered and introduced to gardens for its unique flowers and fruit. Over time, gardeners have used it in breeding programs to create new rose varieties, appreciating its hardiness and ornamental features.
When and how Rosa moyesii blooms
The shrub blooms during summer, producing its colorful flowers. It is usually grown in gardens for its decorative appeal, thriving in temperate climates. After flowering, the plant develops its characteristic rose hips in the autumn months. Propagation is typically by seed or from cuttings.
How Rosa moyesii is used
Gardeners often plant Rosa moyesii for its showy flowers and distinctive hips, which add interest to gardens through summer and autumn. It has also served as a parent in rose breeding, helping to create new hybrids with similar traits.
Kinds of Rosa moyesii
One notable garden form is 'Geranium', a hybrid that stays smaller and produces vivid orange-scarlet flowers. This cultivar has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society for its performance in gardens.
What Rosa moyesii means
Though not tied to specific traditions or symbolism, Rosa moyesii is valued by rose enthusiasts and breeders. Its hips and flowers make it a favorite in ornamental horticulture, and its hybrids are appreciated for their color and form.
Questions people ask about Rosa moyesii
Where does Rosa moyesii come from?
Rosa moyesii is native to western China, including the Tibet region, where it grows wild as a shrub.
What does Rosa moyesii look like?
It is a tall, spreading shrub with muted green leaves, flat red or pink flowers with yellow centers, and bottle-shaped hips in autumn.
How is Rosa moyesii used?
It is mainly grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and has been used in breeding new rose varieties.
Are there popular varieties of Rosa moyesii?
Yes, the hybrid 'Geranium' is a compact form with orange-scarlet flowers and has received a major horticultural award.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Rosa moyesii", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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