Rosa Canina - Dog Rose

Rosa canina, commonly known as Dog Rose, was once a familiar sight in country hedgerows but has become much less common due to the loss of farmland hedging. Fast-growing, with arching branches, pretty pink and white flowers, and oval scarlet hips, it adds charm and seasonal colour to mixed wildlife hedges and woodland margins.

Dog Rose thrives in most soils, particularly chalky or coastal sites, and is fully hardy. Its flowers attract insects, while birds and small mammals feed on the hips. Historically, the hips have been used as a source of vitamin C, for conserves, jams, syrups, and traditional teas, and the plant has medicinal applications. The roots are used commercially as rootstock for cultivated roses.

This is the size and type we sell:

Rosa canina Dog Rose 15–30cm Cell Grown

Rosa canina Dog Rose 40–60cm 1+0

Rosa canina Dog Rose 40–60cm 1+1

Rosa canina Dog Rose 60–80cm 1+0

Professionally grown and suitable for hedging, woodland, and wildlife-friendly planting.

Features & Benefits

Fast-growing native shrub with arching branches

Pretty pink and white flowers with yellow stamens in June–July

Produces oval scarlet hips rich in vitamin C

Thrives in most soils, especially chalky and coastal sites

Excellent wildlife value: attracts insects, birds, and small mammals

Suitable for mixed hedges, woodland margins, and conservation planting

Applications

Mixed-species wildlife hedges

Woodland margin planting

Wildlife gardens and conservation projects

Hedging and screening

Ecological or ornamental planting schemes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 1.5m height x 1.5m spread

After 20 years: 1.5m height x 1.5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Rosa canina

Common Name | Dog Rose

Plant Type | Deciduous shrub

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 1.5–2m

Mature Spread | Up to 1.5–2m

Soil Type | Most soils; especially chalky and coastal sites

Aspect | Full sun

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 15–30cm Cell Grown; 40–60cm 1+0; 40–60cm 1+1; 60–80cm 1+0

Maintenance | Trim hedgerows in winter; hard prune in early spring if denser growth desired

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects; hips eaten by birds and small mammals; leaves eaten by moth larvae