A special rose with a rich history

Rosa omeiensis Pteracantha was introduced to European gardens in 1890. At that time, the French missionary and plant collector Delavay sent seeds from China to Maurice de Vilmorin in France. Since then, this special wild rose has continued to surprise garden enthusiasts with its translucent red prickles, delicate white flowers and natural charm.

A rose whose prickles are beautiful too? Rosa omeiensis Pteracantha shows that it is possible. This special wild rose from China, also known as ‘Wingthorn Rose’ or ‘Dragon Wings’, bears large, translucent red prickles. When sunlight shines through the young shoots, they light up like little ruby-red wings. A real eye-catcher for lovers of unusual garden roses.

White flowers and colourful rose hips

In late spring and early summer, delicate, single white flowers with yellow stamens appear. They pair beautifully with the fine, fresh green foliage and give the shrub a natural appearance. The open flowers provide bees with easy access to the pollen.

Omeiensis Pteracantha flowers once a year. If you leave the spent flowers on the plant, orange-red rose hips will follow, adding colour to the garden later in the season. This botanical rose therefore has much more to offer than just its flowers.

Give it room to grow

This vigorous shrub rose comes into its own in a larger garden, a spacious border or a natural rose hedge. As a standalone shrub, you can admire its unusual branches from every angle. A mature plant can reach approximately 250 to 400 cm in height.

Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade, with fertile, well-drained soil. Ideally, plant it where the morning or evening light shines through the branches: this is where the red wings look their best. Because of its sturdy prickles, give it some distance from a narrow garden path.

Care of Omeiensis Pteracantha

Water regularly after planting, especially during dry periods. An annual layer of compost helps keep the soil in good condition. This hardy garden rose flowers on older wood. Therefore, if necessary, prune it immediately after flowering and remove a few old branches to make room for new shoots.

Would you like to enjoy rose hips in autumn? Then leave enough spent branches in place.

Organically grown at Belle Époque

At Belle Époque Rose Nursery, we grow this special rose organically under SKAL certification. From our family business in Aalsmeer, we combine more than 40 years of experience with a passion for roses and a commitment to healthy cultivation.

You will receive your Rosa omeiensis Pteracantha directly from our nursery. A distinctive rose for garden enthusiasts who enjoy planting something special.

Give this rose a beautiful spot in the light and enjoy its red wings, white flowers and decorative rose hips.

Characteristics

• Type: botanical shrub rose
• Flower colour: white with yellow stamens
• Flower form: single
• Flowering period: late spring to early summer
• Repeat flowering: no
• Height: approximately 250–400 cm
• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Special feature: translucent red prickles on young shoots
• Rose hips: orange-red
• Year introduced: 1890
• Cultivation: organic, SKAL-certified