Rosaceae
Memorial Rose (Rosa lucieae): Complete Care Guide
Rosa lucieae
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining, fertile soil. Water every 5–9 days, allowing the top layer to partially dry between waterings. Fertilize twice yearly in early spring and early summer with a rose fertiliser. Prune once per year after flowering. Highly disease-resistant; watch for aphids and spider mites.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
-20° - 35°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Memorial Rose?
Memorial Rose (Rosa lucieae) is a medium-care plant from the Rosaceae family. Rosa lucieae, commonly known as Memorial Rose or Wichura Rose, is a vigorous semi-evergreen climbing and trailing rose native to East Asia. With long, thorny, trailing stems that can reach up to 6 meters, it forms dense mats and is exceptional as a ground cover or scrambling over structures. Its sin...
Memorial Rose grows up to 6.0m, with spread of 400cm, watering every 7 days, -20°C – 35°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Memorial Rose is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Memorial Rose?
TLDR: Memorial Rose needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -20-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Memorial Rose?
Water every 7 days on average. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings. Memorial Rose is sensitive to waterlogged soil — ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues.
How Much Light Does Memorial Rose Need?
Grow in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for the best flowering. It tolerates partial shade but produces fewer blooms. South or west-facing aspects are ideal.
What Is the Best Soil for Memorial Rose?
Plant in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It tolerates chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Maintain a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Mulch in late winter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
What Pot Should You Use for Memorial Rose?
Outdoor garden bed or large raised planter; terracotta or wooden containers for managed growth. Not suitable for small indoor pots.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Memorial Rose and Where Does It Come From?
Rosa lucieae, commonly known as Memorial Rose or Wichura Rose, is a vigorous semi-evergreen climbing and trailing rose native to East Asia. With long, thorny, trailing stems that can reach up to 6 meters, it forms dense mats and is exceptional as a ground cover or scrambling over structures. Its single white flowers with prominent yellow stamens bloom in summer, filling the garden with rich fragrance. The species is notable for its disease and mildew resistance and has been the parent of many beloved classic climbing rose cultivars such as Dorothy Perkins and New Dawn.
How to Propagate Memorial Rose?
Hardwood Cutting
Hardwood cuttings taken in autumn root reliably. Keep compost moist but not waterlogged throughout rooting.
- 1 Take 20–25 cm hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn
- 2 Remove all leaves except the top two
- 3 Dip the base in rooting hormone powder
- 4 Insert into free-draining compost and keep moist
- 5 Place in a sheltered spot or cold frame until roots form
Materials needed:
Layering
Memorial Rose often layers naturally where stems touch the ground — take advantage of this habit.
- 1 Select a long, flexible trailing stem
- 2 Peg a section of the stem to the soil surface
- 3 Keep the pegged area moist
- 4 Once roots form, sever from the parent plant and transplant
Materials needed:
How Big Does Memorial Rose Grow?
TLDR: Memorial Rose can reach up to 6.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
6.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Memorial Rose?
TLDR: Memorial Rose is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Black Spot
Black spot is the most serious fungal disease affecting roses, caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae. It is characterized by dark circular spots on leaves that progress to yellowing and premature leaf drop. The disease thrives in humid and cool conditions, especially early in the growing season.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Memorial Rose symbolizes remembrance, endurance, and timeless love. Its trailing habit and resilience have made it an enduring favourite in commemorative and heritage gardens.
Fun Facts
Rosa lucieae is a parent of over 100 classic climbing rose cultivars including Dorothy Perkins, New Dawn, and Albertine.
Its trailing stems can reach 6 metres and naturally root where they touch the soil, spreading to form dense, impenetrable ground cover.
Named after botanist Max Ernst Wichura (1817–1866), who collected specimens in Japan in the 1860s.
It was introduced to European gardens around 1880 and rapidly became one of the most influential species in rose breeding history.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Memorial Rose?
Does Memorial Rose grow well in the shade?
Is Memorial Rose toxic to pets or people?
How do I propagate Memorial Rose?
What diseases affect Memorial Rose?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
