Rosa Rubiginosa - Sweet Briar Rose

Rosa rubiginosa, commonly known as Sweet Briar or Eglantine Rose, is a British native shrub often mistaken for Dog Rose. It is distinguished by its leaves, which give off a sweet apple-like fragrance, especially after rain or in humid conditions. Dense and prickly, Sweet Briar makes an excellent impenetrable garden hedge or part of a mixed wildlife hedge.

Thriving in most soils except very wet conditions, it is highly cold-tolerant and performs well in exposed sites, coastal areas, and chalky soils. The pale pink flowers in late spring attract bees and hoverflies, while the scarlet hips provide food for birds and small mammals. The hips are also harvested for vitamin C and cosmetic preparations.

This is the size and type we sell:

Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar 40–60cm 0+1

Professionally grown and suitable for hedging, wildlife planting, and garden ornamentation.

Features & Benefits

Dense, prickly native shrub with arching stems

Sweetly scented leaves, especially after rain or in humid conditions

Pale pink flowers with yellow stamens in May–June

Produces scarlet hips rich in vitamin C

Thrives in most soils, exposed sites, coastal areas, and chalky soils

Excellent for wildlife: attracts bees, hoverflies, birds, and small mammals

Ideal for hedges, wildlife planting, and ornamental use

Applications

Mixed-species wildlife hedges

Garden hedges and screening

Woodland and conservation planting

Ecological planting schemes

Ornamental specimen shrub

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 2.5m height x 2.5m spread

After 20 years: 2.5m height x 2.5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Rosa rubiginosa

Common Name | Sweet Briar / Eglantine Rose

Plant Type | Deciduous shrub

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 2.5–3m

Mature Spread | Up to 2.5–3m

Soil Type | Most soils except very wet; tolerates chalky and exposed sites

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 40–60cm 0+1

Maintenance | Trim hedges in winter; hard prune in early spring if required

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract bees and hoverflies; hips eaten by birds and small mammals