Also Known As:  'Burr Rose'
Introduced:  1814, China
Class:  Species
Zones:  4-11
Flowers:  There is a single and double form, both of which are lilac pink and informal.
Size:  7 x 7 feet, arching
Fragrance:  Slight to None
Of note:  Interesting growth habit and history make this a special rose.

The double form of 'Chestnut Rose', Rosa roxburghii, was introduced around 1814, half a century before the single form.  The more popular double form was found in Canton, China, by William Roxburgh, an assistant surgeon with the East India Company.   The single form was found in 1864 in the Szechuan province of China.  Bear in mind that the term 'introduction' is used to describe when Rosa roxburghii was made available to European gardeners.  For example, prior to discovery by Roxburgh, the double form was grown in China for generations under the name 'Hoi-tong-hong'.   Today, 'Chestnut Rose' remains in old Southern gardens, with plants reportedly over a century old still thriving.

Named because of the prickles that cover the buds, which are reminiscent of chestnut burrs.  The somewhat informal flowers are borne in a nice spring flush; unusual for a species rose, lesser repeat flowering occurs throughout the rest of the season. 

The canes have bark which exfoliates (peels) as it matures; also unusual, the leaves are comprised of up to fifteen individual leaflets.  Disease resistance is excellent.  Also known as 'Chinquapin Rose' and 'Moss Rose'.