Multiflora Rose

Beginning of flowering

Rosa multiflora

Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · naturalized

Last updated May 11, 2026

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is a broadleaf shrub in the Rosaceae family native to Japan and Korea, now widely naturalized in North America. It reaches 15 ft tall and produces white fragrant conical flower clusters with flowers approximately 2 cm across. It originally grows on slopes and scrub in eastern Asia.

Multiflora rose is hardy in zones 5a-8b and prefers full sun with moist soil (pH 4.5-8.5). It has high maintenance requirements. Twenty-seven diseases and 29 pests are documented. The species has significant weed and invasive potential and is classified as a noxious weed in multiple states.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

15 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Moist

Soil pH

4.5-8.5

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zones 5a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

June

Origin

Pacific Northwest native

Powdery MildewHigh

Active Conidial Spread

RustHigh

Uredinial Stage (Summer)

Verticillium WiltHigh

Root Colonization Period

AphidHigh

Peak Population & Dispersal

+ 8 more — see full disease and pest lists below

Diseases: Regionally Documented (25)

Raspberry bushy dwarf virus and related viruses Virus Multiple genera (Melampsoridium, Thekopsora, Naohidemyces... Rust Multiple obligate biotrophic fungi (Erysiphales: Erysipha... Powdery Mildew Multiple obligate oomycetes (Peronosporaceae); species ar... Downy Mildew Rhizobium radiobacter (formerly Agrobacterium tumefaciens) Crown Gall Coniothyrium wernsdorffiae and Paraconiothyrium fuckelii Common canker Kalmusia coniothorium Brand canker Botrytis Bud and Twig Blight [NOTE: Diplocarpon rosae causes black spot on roses (Rosa... Black Spot Chlaropsis thielavioides Black Mold Armillaria spp. — primarily A Armillaria Root Rot Bacterial Cane Blight Bacterial Leaf Spot and Blast Two fungi Brand and Common Canker Cryptosporella umbrina (anamorph: Diaporthe umbrina) Brown Canker Chemical Injury Several fungal (primarily Rosisphaerella rosicola/Cercosp... Leaf Spots, Miscellaneous Lime-induced Chlorosis Phytophthora spp. (P Phytophthora Root Rot Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusari... Replant Disease Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Apple mosaic viru... Rose Mosaic Verticillium dahliae Verticillium Wilt Blueberry mosaic virus and related viruses Virus Diseases Winter Injury Various plant-parasitic nematode genera Nematodes

Phenological Calendar

As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Multiflora Rose has passed beginning of flowering (2082 GDD₃₂).

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026

Station	GDD₃₂	Current Stage	Next	To Go
Issaquah / East King	2,673	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Kent / Auburn	2,665	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Seattle / UW	2,610	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Olympia / Tumwater	2,570	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Tacoma / Puyallup	2,535	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Bellingham / Whatcom	2,533	Beginning of flowering	—	—
Sequim / Rain Shadow	2,436	Beginning of flowering	—	—

View full calendar (1 stages)

Stage	GDD₃₂	Typical Window	What to Look For
● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW	2082	—	First open blossoms visible on early branches

Regional estimate

Range: 1435–1648 GDD₃₂ (6yr)

Source: OSU phenology catalog (OSU: weather.cfaes.osu.edu) About GDD₃₂ →

Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.