About
This dense, upright shrub to around 2m tall with small, neat, divided leaves giving a fern-like appearance and scarlet, translucent thorns, particularly noticeable on new growth. Single, white to pale yellow, four-petalled blooms borne in summer are followed by ornamental red fruits (hips) in autumn.
About the genus
Rosa can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or scrambling climbers, with usually thorny stems bearing compound pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered flowers. Flowers may be followed by showy red or purple fruits in some varieties.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeRoses, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationSuited to a wide range of situations but best in an open site in full sun, where ruby-red young thorns can be appreciated. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil - see rose cultivation.
PruningPruning group 20 (roses), do not deadhead flowers if fruits (hips) are required
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn or by chip budding in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids including rose root aphid, rose leafhopper, scale insects, large rose sawfly, rose leaf-rolling sawfly and rose slugworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to black spot, rose dieback, grey moulds, rose rust, rose powdery mildews and downy mildews, rose sickness or replant disease and a virus