Smooth Rose
Rosa blanda
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rosa blanda (Smooth Rose) is a native shrub found across the northern United States from Maine to Colorado. It produces fragrant pink flowers in June and July, attracting bees and beetles.
Smooth Rose (Rosa blanda) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Smooth rose is a low-maintenance native shrub that produces fragrant pink flowers in early summer followed by bright red rose hips in fall. This hardy plant spreads naturally by underground stems to form colonies, making it excellent for naturalizing areas and erosion control.
Growing Smooth Rose
Grow Smooth Rose in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth Rose is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Spreads by suckers and can look unruly
- Winter appearance is bare and informal
- May need pruning to control size and shape
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during summer blooming period. Rose hips provide food for birds through fall and winter months.
Common questions
- Where does Rosa blanda naturally grow?
- Rosa blanda is native to much of the northern United States, including states from New England through the Great Lakes region and extending west to Colorado and the northern Great Plains.
- When does Smooth Rose bloom?
- Rosa blanda typically blooms in June and July, producing fragrant pink flowers that are usually 2-3 inches across.
- What pollinators visit Rosa blanda?
- Smooth Rose attracts various bees and beetles. The flowers provide pollen and nectar, while the hips that develop later provide food for birds and wildlife.
- What growing conditions does Rosa blanda prefer?
- Smooth Rose is quite adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils. It often grows naturally in prairies, open woodlands, and along streams.
- Is Smooth Rose toxic to dogs?
- Smooth Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Smooth Rose toxic to cats?
- Smooth Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Smooth Rose HOA-friendly?
- Smooth Rose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Smooth Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz