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Wild Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

Wild rose

Common Name: Wild rose

Genus: Rosa

Species: canina

Skill Level: Beginner

Exposure: Full sun

Hardiness: Hardy

Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Sandy

Height: 400cm

Spread: 300cm

Time to prune: September to November

The dog rose has one very attractive burst of lightly scented, usually flesh pink flowers (though they can be pinker or whitish) in summer. They are followed by a terrific show of bright red hips, any left hanging on eventually get taken by the birds. The stems are incredibly prickly, which is one very good reason why it's invariably grown in an informal mixed hedge, helping to keep out neighbour's pets and intruders. This species rose used to be grown by commercial breeders to provide the rootstock of ornamental roses.

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Uploaded on July 2, 2013
Taken on July 2, 2013