Apple rose

It is a deciduous, perennial, dense, flowering shrub.

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Apple rose

Latin name

Rosa villosa, R. pomifera

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

the northern regions of Scandinavia to the Mediterranean climatic regions of Spain

Crop classification

miscellaneous fruit

Growing shape

shrub with 6 to 8 skeletal branches, regularly renewed

Spacing

4 x 3-4m

Soil type

light (sandy), medium (clay) and heavy (clay) soils

Soil pH

slightly acidic, neutral to slightly alkaline

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Interesting

The fruits are very rich in vitamin C and contain 1300 mg per 100 g (fresh weight) of the fruit.

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Usage

fresh, jam, marmalade, drying, teas

Suitable growing locations 

The species is suitable for light (sandy), medium (clay) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable soil pH is slightly acidic, neutral to slightly alkaline. It can grow in partial shade (light forest) or without shade. 

Cultivation technology

Apple rose thrives in well-drained soil and prefers constant moisture, with watering every three weeks recommended. As it is mainly an outdoor plant, it benefits from seasonal rains, which should supplement its irrigation needs while avoiding overwatering. We fertilize it monthly with balanced fertilizers, at the end of summer we reduce the doses. Adjust the fertilization according to the life stage and season of the plant, mix well into the soil and water thoroughly after application. We cut the rose in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. We remove dead wood and thin intertwined shoots for better air circulation. Regular pruning prevents the excessive spread of pests and diseases. Rose apple is effectively propagated by stem cuttings just below the leaf node using rooting hormone in well-drained soil. Misting maintains moisture, while moderate, indirect light and consistent humidity promote growth as plants acclimate to permanent conditions.  

Suitable varieties

Karpatia (a Slovak variety)

Diseases and pests

diseases: black spotting of rose leaves, pink powdery mildew, pink rust, rose anthracnose, gray mold

pests: pink aphid, hop mite, sawflies, Forster's wrapper