A propagation protocol for pasture rose (Rosa carolina L.)

At the Chicago Botanical Garden, we grow pasture rose (Rosa carolina L. [Rosaceae]) to a suitable size for outplanting in about 9 mo. Seeds, collected and processed in fall, have a double dormancy and are given a 4-wk warm, moist treatment prior to a 12-wk stratification. Treated seeds are sown in a greenhouse in February, grown in a 9-cm (3.5-in) pot, and are ready for out-planting in June following a 1- to 2-wk hardening period. This beautiful, drought-tolerant little rose adds dramatic fall color to the landscape and provides wildlife benefit as well.