Rosa multiflora - Climbing Rose

The Rosa multiflora, also known as the multiflora rose, is an extremely robust and vigorous climbing species, very floriferous in early summer, adaptable to many situations. A true force of nature, it is often used as a rootstock to support the growth of more delicate roses, which draw all the strength they need through its powerful roots. The plant offers an abundance of large clusters of slightly fragrant white flowers, followed by decorative clusters of red hips in autumn. It can be used in any natural landscape scene, to cover an old tree, enliven a hedgerow, or freely adorn a neglected spot in the garden. Its only enemy is limestone, which causes its leaves to yellow and the plant to wither.

The Rosa multiflora, from the rose family, is native to the Far East. It is native to China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. It is the parent of many varieties of climbing roses, as well as polyantha roses. It can reach a height of 5m (16 in 5 ft), with a spread of 3m (9 in 10 ft). Its runner-like and arching branches, covered in thorns, emerge from the base and produce new ones every year. The leaves, 5 to 10 cm (2 - 3.9 in) long, are divided into 5 to 9 toothed leaflets. They turn yellow in autumn before falling. The flowering is not repeat-flowering, but flowers in June-July, with very abundant and slightly fragrant blooms. The 2-3 cm (0.8 - 1.2 in) diameter flowers are single and gathered in large pyramidal clusters called corymbs. They have a delicate ivory colour at when the flowers first open, then fade slightly to white. The flower's centre is decorated with a visible bouquet of golden yellow stamens, visited by bees. The flowering is followed by the formation of a fleshy false fruit called a hip, 6 to 8 mm (0.2 - 0.3 in) in diameter, which turns purplish-red when ripe. It contains a large quantity of seeds that will be spread by birds.

The Rosa multiflora is a wild rose with a free-spirited charm that thrives wherever it pleases. Like other climbing or rambling roses, it is unrivalled for filling large spaces and giving a touch of abandonment, planted above formal flowerbeds. It is an ideal companion for dead trees that it will revive, uncertain fences, and ugly buildings or sheds to which it brings a charming appeal. Since its flowering only lasts for a month, it can be paired with a clematis with large flowers (such as Clematis The President or Jackmanii Superba...) whose summer flowering will take over until autumn.