Tuesday, June 3, 2025

THE CHEROKEE ROSE

These photos were taken in April 2025, when my niece visited with her partner and his daughter. I have shared a lot from their visit, as many of my regular blogging friends have seen. Today I am sharing this pretty flower taken in Williamsburg on our way back home, after visiting family in North Carolina.

It is called the Cherokee Rose, botanical name Rosa laevigata. You can find information from the link I have provided if you click on its name above. There I read that it "is a woody, deciduous, sprawling shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae), that is native to central and southern China to Vietnam and Taiwan. It was brought to the United States during colonial times and cultivated by the Cherokee." It is described as taking a lot of time and effort to cultivate these. "It is a fast-growing vine that will reach from 15 to 33 feet tall, and scramble over shrubs and trees for support."
"Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist soil. Water deeply and regularly, with a summer application of mulch helps retain moisture. Pruning should take place in the late winter."
It has a sad origin of its name and relates to the Trail of Tears. I won't add any more here but have added links in this paragraph for anyone who is curious about its history. The Legend of the Cherokee Rose can be found here
"The canes have numerous hooked prickles, glossy dark green leaves and showy, fragrant 2-4 inch single white flowers with yellow stamens that attract butterflies. Rose hips will follow." 
More information can be read if you click on its name in my second paragraph. Alternatively, you can do your own search. There is lots of information out there.




46 comments:

  1. This is such a gorgeous and delicate flower, Denise. I have never seen one like this before. Your closeup is spectacular ✨️ I love ❤️ every intricate detail.

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    1. I do so agree Linda. Thank you, I am happy you love it. So do I :)

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  2. How special to capture the beauty of the Cherokee Rose, with its deep history and delicate strength, during such a meaningful family visit.

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    1. Thank you Roentare, couldn't have put it better :)

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  3. This is a lovely and hopeful legend, though so sad! I have never heard of this rose, it is really beautiful. It somehow seems so pure.

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    1. I agree Ginny. I have heard the term Cherokee Rose but from long back and I can't remember from where. Now I am thankful to know :)

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  4. What a gorgeous flower, Denise.

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    1. Thank you Margaret, I am happy you liked it :)

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  5. It's a beautiful flower! I would never have thought it's name was Cherokee rose. It doesn't seem to look like a rose. So I learned something new!

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    1. Thank you Nicole, that's one of the many reasons I enjoy blogging. I learn something new all the time :)

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  6. It is a beautiful plant - and thank you for sharing the Legend. So moving.

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    1. You are very welcome Sue :) and yes, it is indeed very moving.

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  7. It’s interesting that the Cherokees nurtured an imported plant when they had no history of such activity. A new species to me with a gorgeous flower.

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    1. I have a feeling I have seen this flower before somewhere, but I don't remember where. Thanks David, I am very happy to introduce you to it :)

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  8. What a beautiful flower it has. I have never heard of a Chrokee Rose before.

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    1. Thank you Ann, I've heard the name but don't know from where.

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  9. The rose is pretty, lovely photos Denise!
    Take care, have a great day!

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    1. Thank you Eileen, happy you enjoyed it. You take care and have a lovely day also :)

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  10. Such a pretty rose, but what a sad legend. All nations have done terrible things to other nations - it never seems to end.

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    1. Thank you Janice :) and sadly I have to agree with you.

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  11. I love it.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  12. I love this post. way back in the late 80's when CB talk was in most cars on the road, My CB handle/name was Cherokee Rose.... thanks for the beauty and for the memory

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    1. You are very welcome Sandra :) and thank you for sharing your CB handle. What a great name you chose.

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  13. Interesting plant. I bet you don't want it to get loose! We have some pink flowers similar to these but much smaller. They were planted in hedges to keep cattle in like a fence but they got away. However they smell divine when they are blooming.

    These do have similar petals but different a different color.

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    1. Thanks Val :) I thought how lovely it would be to plant it on the trellis out back, but after reading this I am not so sure. Interesting about your hedges. I wondered about that when I read your comment and checked if it comes in different colors, but was told it only came in white. I would love to know what yours is.

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  14. Denise a lovely rose and what wonderful weather you had the sky is gorgeous
    Hugs Cecilia

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    1. Thanks Cecilia and the weather was beautiful that day. We have had some chilly weather but this week it appears to be warming up. Sending hugs :)

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  15. What a beautiful and meaningful flower. I didn’t know the history behind the Cherokee Rose—it adds such depth to its quiet beauty. Your photo and words really moved me. It’s amazing how nature can carry both sorrow and grace at the same time. www.melodyjacob.com

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    1. Thank you for telling me that Melody, it is a very moving story and you worded it beautifully, both sorrow and grace. Very touching!

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  16. It is lovely and has interesting history associated with it.

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  17. Sounds like some good and some bad with this plant.

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  18. A lovely rose.
    Thank you for sharing the Legend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You are very welcome Jan :) always happy to share. All the best to you too :)

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    1. Muchas gracias :) Me alegra que te hayan gustado las flores. Te mando un beso.

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  20. These are lovely, graceful flowers!

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  21. This is a beautiful white rose and thank you for the links which were very informative but so sad.

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    1. Very sad but I am a big believer in knowing the history of each country, as we have all had not so nice parts of it. They should be kept for future generations, to understand our history and maybe one day we will do better in the world. Always living in hope here, my mantra.

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