How to Grow Burnet Rose William III
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Burnet Rose William III
Rosa pimpinellifolia 'William III'
shrubBurnet Rose 'William III' is a historic shrub rose cultivar known for its deep crimson-purple flowers and compact, thorny growth habit. This old garden rose blooms profusely in spring and early summer with semi-double flowers that fade to mauve tones. It is extremely hardy, disease-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for hedging and landscape use.
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Example Burnet Rose William III timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burnet Rose William III
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burnet Rose William III
Around Apr 18≈ 1 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burnet Rose William III dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, extremely cold hardy
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Establishment
3-6 weeksNewly planted rose with limited foliage and delicate shoots; bare-root or container plant settling into soil.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning in first season; remove only dead or damaged canes.
Spring Growth
4-6 weeksShoots emerge from canes; leaves unfold; plant rapidly gains height and width with vigorous branching.
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Prune lightly in early spring to shape and remove winter damage. Monitor for pests and disease.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (primarily spring, with sporadic summer blooms)Dense clusters of semi-double crimson-purple flowers appear along stems; blooms fade to mauve or pink tones as they age.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming (though this cultivar is primarily spring-blooming). Water during hot, dry periods. Do not over-fertilize or you will get excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Fruiting & Summer Rest
6-10 weeksAfter bloom, small hips form if flowers are not deadheaded; plant transitions to slower growth in heat.
Leave some hips for ornamental value and wildlife food. Reduce watering slightly but keep consistently moist. Avoid pruning in summer. Allow natural energy conservation.
Fall Hardening
6-8 weeksGrowth slows; foliage may develop autumn color; hips mature and darken. Plant prepares for dormancy.
Stop heavy feeding by late summer. Reduce watering gradually. Do not prune in fall. Let plant harden off naturally for winter. Mulch heavily in late fall in colder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur powder or baking soda spray. Remove affected leaves.
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Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation. Apply fungicide in severe cases. Mulch to prevent spore splashing.
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Hand-pick larvae; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prune out heavily infested shoots.
Uses
Rose Hips for Tea & Preserves
CulinaryBurnet Rose produces abundant small red hips rich in vitamin C, which can be dried and brewed into a tart, nutritious tea or made into jams and jellies. The hips are edible and have been used in traditional herbalism for centuries. [source]
Ornamental Hedging & Landscape
HouseholdThe compact, thorny growth and stunning spring flowers make this cultivar excellent for formal or informal hedges, borders, and specimen plantings. Its natural form requires minimal shaping. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe beautiful semi-double crimson-purple flowers are ideal for cutting and arranging in bouquets and displays, offering both immediate visual impact and the romantic charm of an old garden rose. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRose petals and hips have been used in traditional medicine for immune support, skin health, and digestive wellness. The vitamin C and antioxidant compounds in Burnet Rose support these traditional applications. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeThe abundant spring blooms attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators, while the hips provide food for birds and other wildlife in fall and winter. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental rose; cut flowers for arrangements when blooms are at desired stage of opening. Cut in early morning when stems are hydrated. Use sharp pruners and make clean cuts above a 5-leaflet leaf. Remove thorns carefully for arrangements. Hips can be left on plant for fall/winter ornament or harvested for tea and jelly in late summer/fall after frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) is one of the most cold-hardy rose species, native to northern Europe and Scotland, and has been cultivated since the 1600s. 'William III' is named after King William III of England.
- 🌱 Unlike many modern roses, Burnet Rose is virtually disease-resistant and requires minimal chemical input, making it a favorite of organic gardeners and heritage rose enthusiasts.
- 🌱 The small, finely-textured foliage resembles burnet herb (Salvia), which is how the rose earned its common name—though it is unrelated botanically.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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