Polyantha rose (Rosa ‘China Doll’) ROE-sah Genus:  Rosa This dwarf rose grows to only 18 inches tall, and covers itself all season long with large clusters of lightly scented vibrant pink flowers. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Polyanthas are celebrated for their profuse clusters of flowers that are produced in waves from late spring or early summer until fall. They are compact and disease-resistant, making them ideal for borders or hedges, and for growing en masse as a groundcover.   Care:  Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Provide good air circulation and remove fallen leaves to help prevent disease. The stems and sideshoots of dwarf and miniature shrubs should be pruned by 2/3. To renovate, prune one in three stems close to the base. Propagation:  Take softwood cuttings when bloom initiates in spring to summer; take hardwood cuttings in fall. Problems:  Aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, scale, caterpillars, sawfly larvae, cane borers, Japanese beetles, rose stem girders, rose midges, rose slugs, rose chafers, leaf-cutting bees, black spot, rust, powdery mildew, crown gall, canker, dieback, downy mildew, viruses.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Fall, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Ground Covers, Hedge, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden, Formal Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs