Rosa californica 'First Dawn'

Common Name:
California wild rose
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Family:
Rosaceae (The Rose Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes
Plant Size:
6 feet+ high and wide
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer
Flower Color:
Light pink
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil
Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to occasional watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less
This native species is quite common here along the central coast of California. It forms broad thickets from underground shoots--a useful feature for re-vegetation and ground cover, as well as a potentially serious problem for the smaller garden. Individual stems are 4-6 feet tall and closely set with pale green to bluish green leaves. Single pink flowers up to 2 inches broad decorate the plants most of the summer.