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Rosa spinosissima (Scotch Rose)

Scotch Rose, Burnet Rose, Scottish Briar, Rosa pimpinellifolia, Wild Roses, Shrub Roses

Rosa spinosissima, Scotch Rose, Burnet Rose, Scottish Briar, Rosa pimpinellifolia, Wild Roses, Shrub Roses, White roses, Hardy roses

Tough and hardy, Rosa spinosissima (Scotch Rose) is a small suckering shrub boasting pretty, single, creamy-white flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), in late spring to early summer. Mildly but sweetly scented, they are borne in profusion on prickly stems bearing a handsome, fern-like foliage of bright green leaves that are composed of rounded, delicate leaflets. As an extra bonus, the blossoms are followed by spherical, purplish-black fruits. Disease, salt and drought tolerant, Scotch Rose is perfect as a groundcover or as a low hedge.

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm) on stems that are thickly covered with straight thorns and stiff bristles.
  • Best grown in full sun to part shade, in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor soils and sandy soils. Note that best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. For best flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch in late winter or early spring.
  • Perfect for cottage gardens, coastal gardens, dry and windy sites. Grows well in sandy, seaside conditions.
  • Watch for black spot, rose rust and powdery mildews. May be affected by aphids, leafhoppers, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars and rose leaf-rolling sawfly
  • Attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies and birds
  • Prune in late summer once flowering is completed.
  • Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or propagate by seed.
  • Native to Europe, Asia

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
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