Overview
Rosa spinosissima is a suckering, bushy roses in the genus Rosa, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Rosa spinosissima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About
Rosa spinosissima is a compact, suckering rose that typically reaches around 90 cm in height. It develops dense thickets of thorny stems adorned with finely divided, dark green leaves. In early summer, it produces single, cup-shaped flowers that are primarily creamy-white, sometimes exhibiting subtle pink tones, and feature distinct yellow stamens. After flowering, the plant produces round black hips. This species has been present in gardens since before 1600.
About the genus
Rosa consists of either deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs and climbing plants that often feature thorny stems. The leaves are typically compound and pinnate, while the flowers can appear alone or in clusters. In certain varieties, the blooms are succeeded by prominent red or purple fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Rosa spinosissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Roses
- Habit
- Suckering, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
- Toxicity
- Fruit 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
Pruning and caring for Rosa spinosissima
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in late winter or early spring, and for best flowering apply a general rose or shrub fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. Ideal for poor sandy soil and low hedging. See rose cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- See pruning group 20 (shrub roses), don't deadhead flowers if fruits (hips) are required
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to mid spring, hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn or by chip budding in summer; propagate by seed; species roses can be propagated by seed but need stratification and germination may take two seasons
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly, rose slugworm sawfly and rose leaf-rolling sawfly. Deer and rabbits can cause damage
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildew and sometimes honey fungus. May also be susceptible to disorders rose blindness and flower balling
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rosa spinosissima?
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in late winter or early spring, and for best flowering apply a general rose or shrub fertiliser in early spring and again in early summer. Ideal for poor sandy soil and low hedging. See rose cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Rosa spinosissima?
Rosa spinosissima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rosa spinosissima need?
Rosa spinosissima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Rosa spinosissima?
See pruning group 20 (shrub roses), don't deadhead flowers if fruits (hips) are required.
How big does Rosa spinosissima grow?
Rosa spinosissima reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Rosa spinosissima hardy in the UK?
Rosa spinosissima has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Rosa spinosissima?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to mid spring, hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn or by chip budding in summer; propagate by seed; species roses can be propagated by seed but need stratification and germination may take two seasons.
Is Rosa spinosissima good for pollinators?
Yes — Rosa spinosissima attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Rosa spinosissima toxic?
Fruit 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.