Rosa cannabifolia - botanical rose

Rosa cannabifolia, formerly known as Rosa alba cannabina, is also called the White Hemp-leaved Rose, due to the appearance of its foliage which can resemble that of the hemp and its presumed ancestor, Rosa x alba or white rose, a hardy shrub native to Europe. This curious botanical rose is quite rare in cultivation and has, almost thornless stems and unusual foliage, consisting of long and narrow, greyish-green leaves. It flowers once with small semi-double flowers in late spring, slightly pinkish white and slightly fragrant. Truly undemanding, robust and hardy, this rose is satisfied with any sufficiently deep soil and a sunny or semi-shaded exposure.

Rosa cannabifolia (synonym Rosa alba var. cymbaefolia) is a rose that appeared spontaneously and was discovered by Flobert in 1807 in a Luxembourgish garden. Little described in literature, its origins are obscure, according to some it is probably derived from a mutation of Rosa x alba semiplena, while others lean towards a hybrid origin. It is a small, almost thornless shrub with a slightly stiff bushy habit. It easily reaches 1.20 m (4ft) high, even 1.50 m (5ft), and 1 m (0 and 3ft) in width, with a moderately rapid growth. The young shoots are blue-green and slightly thorny. The branches bear deciduous, opposite leaves, unlike other Alba roses. They are divided into thin and elongated, dark grey-green matte leaflets, folded along the central vein. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the climate. The flowers are semi-double to double, somewhat informal, and small. They often have a central 'pompon' that appears to be placed on a corolla of wider and flattened petals, similar to the flowers of some peonies. The centre of the flower is washed with yellow and green and filled with a few stamens. This rose seems to be quite susceptible to rust in humid climates.

The Hemp-leaved Rose is a beautiful botanical curiosity that is mainly appreciated for the visual appeal of its foliage. It can be planted in a flowering shrub bed or a large rose bed. It will fit well in a slightly wild garden or that of a curious gardener or a rose enthusiast. Finally, it is a very sturdy shrub once established.

While the passion for botanical roses and their direct hybrids is not widespread, it is justified, especially in poor soils or under difficult climates as these roses are not only the parents of our modern roses, but also generally more robust and reliable.