Surely you know rose hips. But did you know that this shrub, whose fruits have the same name, is known by several names? What characteristics characterize it and is it recommended for the garden?
What is the dog rose hip?
The dog rose (Rosa canina), also called rose hip, wild rose or dog rose, is a shrub up to 5 m high with hook-shaped spines and white to pink flowers that bloom in June. The vitamin-rich, orange-red to red rose hip fruits appear in late summer.
Time for enlightenment
Whether rose hip, dog rose, wild rose or dog rose – there are many names that refer to the same plant. Maybe it's easier to say: Rosa canina. This is the botanical name of this plant.
This is a wild plant that, like many (cultivated) roses that you may have in your garden and which are called noble, bed, shrub, climbing or ground cover roses, is called Fruits that produce distinctive rose hips.
These features make up the dog rose
The dog rose is a shrub that grows up to 5 m high. As a tree, it is extremely richly branched and dense in its structure. Due to its hook-shaped spines, which are attached all around its branches and twigs, it becomes an impenetrable thicket.
Their leaves are typical of roses. They are arranged alternately, are pinnate, medium green and jagged at the edge. In autumn they turn yellowish to brownish and are then thrown off.
The blossom of the dog rose
The dog rose usually blooms in June. Its white to pink flowers open gradually and are open for a few days. They are cup-shaped, fivefold in structure and hermaphroditic. They exude a typical wild rose scent.
It's time for her generous gift - rose hips
The rosehip fruits appear in late summer:
- will stick until February
- are orange-red to red in color and shiny
- are oval to round shaped
- are rich in vitamins and he althy
- Harvest from October
Recommended for the garden?
Yes, because the dog rose can act as a privacy and windbreak. It spreads over foothills and forms impenetrable thickets. It is ideal for demarcating properties, as a hedge and for planting slopes and embankments. It also offers good hiding and breeding opportunities for birds. As a wild tree, its care requirements are extremely low.
Tip
The dog rose prefers to grow in deep clay soil in a partially shaded and warm location.
