Holy Rose

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Biocultural value

The Holy Rose was grown in early Coptic/Egyptian church yards. Garlands were placed in tombs.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Leon Ginnenthal

Description

Low spreading shrub. Stems to 1.3m, bearing small scattered, hooked prickles of unequal size. Stipules broad. Leaves deciduous; leaflets 3-5, ovate to narrowly elliptic, acute, wrinkled above, downy beneath, margins with simple glandular teeth. Bracts narrow. Receptacle smooth. Flowers several in loose clusters, single, 5-7.5cm across; sepals with lateral lobes, the apex leafy, downy and glandular on the back, reflexed and falling after flowering; petals pale pink; styles free, exserted; stigmas woolly.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

fragrance, other ethnobotanical uses