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Rosa canina /ˈɹoʊzə/

Common name: Dog rose · Wild rose · Dog briar

Rosa canina is a wild species of climbing or scrambling rose native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. It produces arching, thorny stems bearing clusters of pale pink to white single flowers in early summer, followed by bright scarlet oval hips in autumn. It is widely grown in hedgerows and wildlife gardens, is a classic rootstock for grafting garden roses, and its hips are harvested for rosehip tea, syrup, and traditional medicine.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade
Water Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
Soil Adaptable; well-drained, tolerates chalky soils
Hardiness Zones 3–8
Mature height About 200–300 cm (7–10 ft)
Pet safe Generally non-toxic; thorns can injure
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Hardwood cuttings taken in autumn root reasonably well outdoors in a sheltered bed. It is also grown from seed, but the hips need several months of cold stratification before the seeds will germinate in spring.

Fun facts

  • Rosehip syrup from dog roses was distributed to British children in WWII as a vitamin C source when citrus was scarce.
  • The hairs inside the hips are the traditional main ingredient of itching powder.
  • Pliny the Elder recorded the belief that its root could cure rabies — one story behind the name "dog rose."
  • It is one of the most common rootstocks used to graft cultivated roses in Europe.

Common problems

    • Remove and destroy fallen leaves
    • Water at base in morning
    • Apply fungicide when spots appear
    • Plant resistant varieties
    • Blast off with strong water spray
    • Encourage ladybugs and lacewings
    • Use insecticidal soap if heavy
    • Space plants for good airflow
    • Prune out crowded stems
    • Apply sulfur or neem spray
    • Hand-pick beetles into soapy water
    • Avoid pheromone traps near roses