Rosa fraxinellaefolia

Seed. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate. This is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seedcoat^[6]. One possible way to reduce this time is to scarify the seed and then place it for 2 - 3 weeks in damp peat at a temperature of 27 - 32°c (by which time the seed should have imbibed). It is then kept at 3°c for the next 4 months by which time it should be starting to germinate^[6]. Alternatively, it is possible that seed harvested 'green' (when it is fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately will germinate in the late winter. This method has not as yet(1988) been fully tested^[6]. Seed sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame sometimes germinates in spring though it may take 18 months. Stored seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and stratified for 6 weeks at 5°c^[7]. It may take 2 years to germinate^[7]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Plant out in the summer if the plants are more than 25cm tall, otherwise grow on in a cold frame for the winter and plant out in late spring.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July in a shaded frame. Overwinter the plants in the frame and plant out in late spring^[8]. High percentage^[8]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth. Select pencil thick shoots in early autumn that are about 20 - 25cm long and plant them in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame^[8][7]. The cuttings can take 12 months to establish but a high percentage of them normally succeed^[8]. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions.

Layering. Takes 12 months^[9].

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. It is possible that this species is no more than a synonym for R. majalis^[10]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Succeeds in most soils^[9], preferring a circumneutral soil and a sunny position^[7]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes water-logged soils^[7]. Grows well with alliums, parsley, mignonette and lupins^[11][12]. Garlic planted nearby can help protect the plant from disease and insect predation^[11][12]. Grows badly with boxwood^[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus^[6].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus^[7].