Rosa cymosa

Rosa cymosa is a species of climbing rose native to China, where it grows from the east coast in Fujian to western Sichuan at up to 1300 m, in warm areas in scrub and gorges, and in bamboo plantations. It is sometimes called the elderflower rose as its flower formation resembles elderberry (Sambucus) flowers.

Rosa cymosa
Rosa cymosa var. cymosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Rosa
Species:	R. cymosa
Binomial name
Rosa cymosa Tratt.
Synonyms[1]
Rosa amoyensis Hance Rosa bodinieri H.L‚v. & Vaniot Rosa cavaleriei H.L‚v. Rosa chaffanjonii H.L‚v. & Vaniot Rosa esquirolii H.L‚v. & Vaniot Rosa fragariiflora Ser. Rosa fragariifolia Ser. ex Steud. [Spelling variant] Rosa indica L. (1753)[2] Rosa microcarpa Lindl. Rosa patrum H.L‚v. ex Rehder Rosa sorbiflora Focke Rosa sorbifolia Anon. [Spelling variant]

Rosa cymosa has long smooth or hairy stems to 5 m, with a few, hooked thorns. Shoots and leaves are bright red when young. The leaflets are narrowly lanceolate, rounded at the base, and acuminate with a slender, curved point. Stipules are narrow and not attached to the stalk, or soon falling. The pedicels are slender. Flowers small and numerous, in a compound umbel or corymb, creamy-white, 1–1.5 cm across. The hips very small and round, around 5 mm across, and are dull or scarlet-red in color with many small seeds.

Rather tender, probably best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory in frosty climates. Flowers in late May and early June.