Overview
Rosa canina (S) is a spreading branched roses in the genus Rosa, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Rosa canina (S) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and cut flowers. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.
About
Rosa canina, commonly known as dog rose, is a spreading branched shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is deciduous and typically grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 metres with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres, reaching full size in 5 to 10 years. This versatile plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations and offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
About the genus
A rose is either a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears. There are over three hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars. The plants range in size and form, from trailing and erect shrubs to climbers up to 7 metres (23 ft) in height.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rose", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rose
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rosa canina (S) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Roses, Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Europe, northwest Africa, western Asia
- Fragrance
- Mild, sweet fragrance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rosa canina (S)
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates poor soils and drought once established; can be invasive in some areas
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak wood and to shape; can be cut back hard to rejuvenate
- Propagation
- Hardwood cuttings in autumn, Softwood cuttings in spring or summer, Chip budding in summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Rose leafhopper, Glasshouse red spider mite, Scale insects, Caterpillars, Large rose sawfly, Rose slugworm sawfly, Rose leaf-rolling sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Rose black spot, Rose rust, Replant disease, Rose dieback, Rose powdery mildews, Honey fungus, Rose blindness, Flower balling
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rosa canina (S)?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates poor soils and drought once established; can be invasive in some areas.
Where is the best place to plant Rosa canina (S)?
Rosa canina (S) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rosa canina (S) need?
Rosa canina (S) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Rosa canina (S)?
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak wood and to shape; can be cut back hard to rejuvenate.
How big does Rosa canina (S) grow?
Rosa canina (S) reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Rosa canina (S) hardy in the UK?
Rosa canina (S) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rosa canina (S)?
Hardwood cuttings in autumn, Softwood cuttings in spring or summer, Chip budding in summer.
More in the Rosa genus
- Rosa 'Alpine Sunset' (HT)
- Rosa 'Barbara Richards' (HT)
- Rosa 'Chaplin's Pink Companion' (Cl)
- Rosa 'Dutch Gold' (HT)
- Rosa 'Gavotte' (HT)
- Rosa 'Geranium Red' (F)
- Rosa 'Hovyn de Tronchère' (HT)
- Rosa 'Mabel Morrison' (HP)
