China Rose (Rosa chinensis)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Rosa chinensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The young shoot tips, flower buds and flowers are parboiled and eaten as potherbs or added to soups. Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 20mm in diameter, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. — The young shoot tips, flower buds and flowers are parboiled and eaten as potherbs or added to soups.; Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is about 20mm in diameter, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds.; Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)