Rose bush

Rosa spp.

1. Identification and origin

Roses (Rosa spp.) belong to the Rosaceae family and include a vast set of species and hybrids cultivated mainly for their ornamental flowers. The origin of the genus is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with centres of diversity in Europe, Western Asia and the Far East. Domestication and intensive hybridization over centuries gave rise to thousands of cultivars used in gardens, commercial cut-flower production and the essences industry.

2. Economic importance

The rose is one of the most important ornamental crops worldwide, standing out in the production of cut flowers, ornamental plants and essential oil extraction. The species most used for this purpose are Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa centifolia L., recognized for the high aromatic quality of their petals. The global market values the diversity of colours, shapes and fragrances, being a central crop in intensive floriculture, in greenhouses and outdoors. Rose oil is one of the most valuable in perfumery, with high economic value per unit of weight.

3. Botanical characterization

Roses are perennial shrubs, of variable size between 0.5 and 3 metres, with woody branches generally armed with prickles. The leaves are compound, alternate, with 5 to 9 serrated leaflets. The flowers, isolated or in inflorescences, present great morphological diversity due to hybridization, varying in number of petals, colour, shape and fragrance. The fruit, called a hip, is a fleshy structure that encloses multiple achenes. The root system is deep and branched, conferring good adaptation to different soil and climate conditions.

4. Soil and climate requirements

Roses develop best in temperate climates, with good sun exposure and air circulation. They prefer moderate temperatures, being sensitive to excessive heat and severe frosts, especially in young stages. They adapt to fertile, well-drained soils, of medium texture and pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular humidity favours continuous flowering, but excess water predisposes to the development of fungal diseases. The crop benefits from balanced fertilization and regular pruning to renew the vegetative structure.

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Macrosiphum rosae, Aphis spp.) — sap sucking, deformations and transmission of viruses
• Red mite (Tetranychus urticae) — chloroses and reduction of photosynthesis
• Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) — damage to petals and flower buds
• Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) — sap sucking and associated sooty mould
• Rose weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) — root damage and leaf notches

6. Main diseases

• Powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) — white coating and leaf deformations
• Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) — circular necroses and severe defoliation
• Rust (Phragmidium spp.) — orange pustules on the underside of the leaves
• Downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa) — irregular spots and necroses
• Rots caused by Botrytis cinerea — damage to buds and flowers, especially in humid environments

7. General crop management

The management of the rose is based on practices that promote good ventilation, vegetative balance and reduction of pest and disease pressure. Annual pruning is essential to renew productive branches, improve light penetration and stimulate flowering. Irrigation must be regular, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of powdery mildew and black spot. Balanced fertilization, with adequate supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, favours vigour and flower production. Frequent monitoring allows early detection of pests such as aphids, thrips and mites, as well as fungal diseases common in humid environments. The removal of infected material and the maintenance of good cultural hygiene are fundamental to reduce the incidence of pathogens.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Rosa spp.
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – Rosa spp.
• Byrne, D. H., et al. (2010). Rose. In: Badenes, M. L., & Byrne, D. H. (eds.). Fruit Breeding. Springer.
• Debener, T., & Linde, M. (2009). Exploring complex ornamental genomes: The rose as a model plant. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 28(4), 267–280.
• Cairns, T. (2000). Modern Roses XI: The World Encyclopedia of Roses. Academic Press.