National Records of Scotland

Preserving the past, Recording the present, Informing the future

Rose (Canary Bird)

Rose (Canary Bird)

Rosa Xanthina spontanea
Season: 
April to June
Associations: 

This rose is native to the hills of central China and is also known as the Manchu rose (Rosa Manchu) and it appears to have been introduced to the UK after 1945. It is a spreading, medium sized shrub which is also a good climber. The single, bright yellow flowers have a light musky scent. The flower has distinctive large stamen, and the bright yellow petals fade to a cream at the furthest point. 

It has been included in the garden to represent the famous Scottish surgeon and reformer Dr Elsie Inglis (1864 –1916). Inglis was actually born in India, however she grew up and was educated in Edinburgh. Her contribution to the needs of women’s health in Scotland, especially in the field of maternity medicine paved the way for modern practices. Her contribution through the foundation of the Scottish Suffragette Federation to the improvement of conditions within the First World War military hospitals in Serbia cannot be underestimated. In a reflection of her international outreach she is recognised in the garden with a yellow rose, the symbol of the suffrage movement in the United States of America.
 

Canary Bird Rose. Image credit: NRS own. CC license
Canary Bird Rose. Image credit: T.Kiya, Flickr. CC license