Surely you know rose hips. But did you know that this shrub, whose fruit bears the same name, is known by several names? What are its characteristics and is it recommended for the garden?
The rose hips of the dog rose or dog rose are used for tea and other things
time for enlightenment
Whether rosehip, wild rose, wild rose or dog rose - there are many names that refer to one and 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 referred to as noble, bed, shrub, climbing or groundcover roses, produces the distinctive rose hips as fruits .
These characteristics make 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. It becomes an impenetrable thicket with its hooked spines, which attach themselves around its branches and twigs.
Their leaves are typical of roses. They arrange themselves alternately, are pinnate, mid-green and jagged at the edge. In autumn they turn yellowish to brownish and are then discarded.
The flower of the dog rose
The dog rose usually blooms in June. Its white to pink flowers gradually open and remain open for a few days. They are shell-shaped, fivefold and hermaphroditic. They exude a typical wild rose scent.
It's time for her lavish gift - rose hips
The rosehip fruits appear in late summer:
- remain in place until February
- are orange-red to red in color and glossy
- are oval to round in shape
- are rich in vitamins and healthy
- Harvest from October
Recommended for the garden?
Yes, because the dog rose can act as a screen and windbreak. It spreads over spurs, forming impenetrable thickets. It is ideal for delimiting property, as a hedge and for planting on slopes and embankments. It is also a good place for birds to hide and breed. As a wild tree, it requires very little maintenance.
tips
The dog rose prefers to grow in deep, loamy soil in a semi-shady and warm location.