About
A very large rose about 3m tall, with long, spiny stems forming large mounds of grey-green foliage, although it can also be trained as a rambler. Trusses of small, white, single flowers, with a large boss of yellow stamens, open from pale yellow buds in midsummer followed by 1-2cm, oval, orange-red fruits (hips)
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
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeRoses, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage 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
CultivationGrows best in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, open position. Mulch in late winter and, to improve flowering, apply a balanced fertiliser in late winter or early spring
PruningPruning group 20 (shrub roses) or can be trained as a rambler rose see pruning group 18 (rambler roses); dont prune after flowering if fruits (hips) are required
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including rose aphid, the most common rose pest. May also be susceptible to rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose leaf-rolling sawfly and leaf-cutter bees. Deer and rabbits can also cause damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildews. May also be susceptible to disorders rose blindness and flower balling and sometimes honey fungus