Source: Wikimedia Commons
Multiflora rose
BeginnerRosa multiflora
Japan's typical wild rose, bearing sprays of small, strongly scented white flowers in early summer and red hips in autumn. One of the key species behind the world's garden roses, it is grown as bonsai for both flowers and hips.
About
Noibara (Rosa multiflora) is a deciduous scrambling shrub of the rose family growing in sunny places—forest edges, riverbanks and roadsides—throughout Japan except Okinawa, and in Korea and China. The archetypal Japanese wild rose, it ranks with R. luciae and R. rugosa as a key species in rose breeding worldwide. In May–June it bears sprays of white flowers 2–3 cm across, small but so fragrant that the scent has been used in perfume; the five petals are notched. In September–November the hips, formed from the swollen receptacle, ripen red and are eaten by birds. Leaves are pinnate with seven to nine leaflets, and stems carry sharp thorns. Cold-hardy, vigorous in any soil and resistant to pests and pruning, it was long used mainly as a rootstock for garden roses. Bonsai use this near-wild rose rather than large-flowered garden cultivars. Relatives include glossy-leaved R. luciae, pink-flowered sakura-no-ibara and the dwarf hime-ibara (issai-bara), and plants are also sold as red-flowered noibara, so check flower colour on the label. It is sold as bonsai material and wildflower-nursery plants.
Size of the Multiflora rose
The Multiflora rose grows to 1–3 m tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (except Okinawa), Korea and China
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
1–3 m tall
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (monthly April–October)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Keep in full sun; poor light and airflow invite pests
Watering
It dries out easily while flowering in summer—water carefully
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy, growing as far north as southern Hokkaido
Soil & repotting
Unfussy about soil. Repot around the autumn equinox in September
Fertilizer
Solid fertilizer monthly, April–October
Pruning & styling
Flowers form at the tips of new shoots, rarely on long ones—cut long shoots back to 2–3 buds. Prunings root as cuttings from spring to autumn
Pests & cautions
Pest-resistant, but a winter dormant spray helps prevention. Mind the sharp thorns. It is native—buy nursery-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Multiflora rose FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Multiflora rose?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Multiflora rose get?
The mature size of Multiflora rose is 1–3 m tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Multiflora rose?
Multiflora rose: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (monthly April–October). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Multiflora rose?
The price of Multiflora rose varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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