Rosa majalis aka Cinnamon Rose

Rosa majalis is one of the easiest rose species to cultivate. It is extremely cold-hardy (surviving to -35°C), tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy to heavy clay, and adapts to various pH levels. It requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional pruning and sucker management, making it an excellent choice for beginners and low-maintenance gardens.

Rosa majalis typically reaches 1 to 2.7 meters tall with an upright, arching growth habit. It grows at a moderate rate and spreads readily by underground suckers, forming dense thickets over time if left unchecked. Individual plants can be kept more compact with regular pruning and sucker removal.

Rosa majalis is one of the hardiest rose species, native to Siberia and northern Europe. It tolerates winter temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F) when fully dormant and thrives in USDA zones 3–9. It goes fully dormant in freezing temperatures and performs best with summer temperatures between 13°C and 24°C (55°F–75°F).

Rosa majalis is deciduous and goes fully dormant in winter, requiring no protection in most climates. In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer and prune before new growth emerges. During summer, water regularly to maintain moist soil and deadhead spent blooms if desired. In autumn, the ornamental hips develop and can be left on the plant for winter interest and wildlife food.

The single-flowered species form produces fragrant pink blooms with a pleasant rose scent. The reddish-brown young bark has a cinnamon-like aroma, which gives the plant its common name 'Cinnamon Rose.' Interestingly, the double-flowered cultivar 'Foecundissima' has little to no fragrance despite its fuller blooms.

Rosa majalis blooms from May to June, producing fragrant pink flowers 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The species form has single flowers with five petals, while the cultivar 'Foecundissima' bears densely doubled pink-lilac blooms. Flowers are followed by small, globose, orange-red hips that ripen from August to October and are rich in vitamin C.

The most notable cultivar is Rosa majalis 'Foecundissima' (also sold as 'Plena'), a densely double-flowered form first described by Clusius in 1583 — one of the oldest cultivated roses in the Western world. It produces pink-lilac flowers with lavender reflections but rarely sets hips. Another variant is 'Tornedal,' which has distinctive star-shaped flowers with pointed petals.

Rosa majalis is exclusively an outdoor plant, hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Native to Siberia and northern Europe, it is exceptionally cold-tolerant and thrives in temperate climates.

Prune Rosa majalis in late winter before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and cut back the previous year's growth by about one-third to encourage fuller growth and more flowers. Equally important is managing suckers — the plant spreads aggressively by underground runners, so regularly remove unwanted suckers or install a root barrier to contain its spread.

The easiest method is division of suckers during dormancy, as the plant produces them freely. Half-ripe cuttings taken in July and placed in a shaded frame also have a high success rate. Layering takes about 12 months. Seed propagation is slow, requiring a two-year stratification period (including 4 months at 3°C) before germination.

Rosa majalis is generally robust but shares common rose vulnerabilities. It is notably susceptible to honey fungus (Armillaria), which PFAF specifically flags as a concern. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, black spot, and rust — standard rose diseases.

Rosa majalis is primarily pollinated by insects, especially bees attracted to the fragrant pink flowers. The species is hermaphrodite, with each flower containing both male and female organs, and it is self-fertile — meaning a single plant can set fruit without a pollination partner. Seeds ripen in the orange-red hips from August to October.

Several parts of Rosa majalis are edible. The hips (fruit) can be eaten raw or cooked and are exceptionally rich in vitamin C (up to 5.5% by dry weight). Petals are used to make jam, rosewater, and rose vinegar. Young spring shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, and the seeds are a source of vitamin E. However, the fine hairs around the seeds must be removed before eating, as they cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract.

Rosa majalis has modest medicinal applications, rated 1 out of 5 by PFAF. The vitamin C-rich hips have traditionally been used to make rosehip tea for boosting the immune system and treating colds. In folk medicine, root decoctions or root infused in spirits have been used to treat diarrhea. The fruit has also been investigated for potential cancer-preventive properties due to its high levels of vitamins, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.

Beyond food and medicine, Rosa majalis has limited other uses, rated 1 out of 5 by PFAF. An orange dye can be extracted from the fruit. Ecologically, the plant serves as an important wildlife resource — its flowers support pollinators (particularly bees), and the autumn hips provide food for birds and small mammals. The dense, thorny growth also offers shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife.

Rosa majalis is native to a vast area spanning northern Europe and western Asia. Its range extends from Scandinavia (excluding Denmark) and the Baltic countries through Central and Eastern Europe, across European Russia into Siberia and Kazakhstan. It typically grows in woodland margins, shrubby areas, meadows, and along river floodplains, particularly favoring moist habitats.

Cinnamon Rose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Cinnamon Rose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Cinnamon Rose requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Cinnamon Rose will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

The Cinnamon Rose does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

The Cinnamon Rose should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.