The dog rose (Rosa corymbifera), which is particularly widespread in Central Europe - not to be confused with the very similar dog rose (Rosa canina) - is a very easy-care and vigorous wild rose that is wonderfully suited for hedges in the garden. In contrast to many other wild rose species, Rosa corymbifera hardly develops any thorns.

The dog rose is also known colloquially as a dog rose

The dog rose in a nutshell at a glance

  • Botanical name: Rosa corymbifera
  • Genus: Roses (Rosa)
  • Family: Rose family (Rosaceae)
  • Common names: dog rose, rosehip, wild rose, bush rose, sleeping thorn
  • Origin and distribution: climatically temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, v. a. Central Europe
  • Growth height: two to three meters
  • Typical features: leaves are hairy on the underside, shrub has almost no thorns
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady and warm
  • Soil: rich in nutrients, containing clay and lime
  • Flowers: white to pale pink petals
  • Flowering time: June
  • Fruits: Rose hips (orange-red when ripe)
  • Leaves: alternate, pinnate leaves
  • Use: e.g. as a base for hybrid tea roses
  • Toxicity: no
  • Hardiness: yes

Dog roses can be found almost everywhere

As wild roses that are perfectly adapted to their environment, all hedge roses are not only quite undemanding in terms of location and care requirements, but also extremely frost hardy. Rosa corymbifera tolerates temperatures down to minus 29 °C and is therefore perfect for planting in very cold regions. Although dog roses shed their leaves in autumn, they form a dense, impenetrable hedge with fresh, green foliage and numerous large, fragrant flowers in summer. In nature, the dog rose is mainly found in bushes and on the edges of dry forests.

Dog rose or dog rose?

The term "dog rose" is primarily understood to mean the two closely related and therefore externally very similar but nevertheless different wild rose species Rosa corymbifera (the actual dog rose) and Rosa canina (also called dog rose). The well-known and very healthy rose hips, the bright red fruits of the wild rose, are collected from the dog rose, which is also native. The fruits of the dog rose, on the other hand, are not used in the kitchen or in naturopathy.

The dog rose in the garden

The dog rose - both Rosa corymbifera and Rosa canina - are perfect for wildly romantic and easy-care hedges that are opaque and impenetrable. Both species can be planted individually or in combination with other wild roses. Particularly interesting plant partners are:

  • Rosa multiflora (tufted rose),
  • Rosa rubiginosa (Scottish Briar Rose),
  • Rosa rugosa (apple or potato rose),
  • Rosa carolina (sand or meadow rose)

tips

These wild roses should be planted about 80 centimeters apart. Regular pruning makes sense for bushy and vigorous growth, for which hedge trimmers (€77.00) can also be used.

Category:

Herbs