Rosa spinosissima
Scotch rose
R. spinosissima is a small, freely suckering shrub with prickly stems bearing neat, fern-like foliage, and cupped, single creamy-white flowers in early summer, followed by spherical black hips
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | Black | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Rosa can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or scrambling climbers, with usually thorny stems bearing compound pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered flowers. Flowers may be followed by showy red or purple fruits in some varieties.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
'Scottish Briar' grow in full sun with fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. For best flowering apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring. Tolerant of poor sandy soils, suitable for low hedging
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
pruning group 22 (roses)
Pests
Aphids, leafhoppers, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars and rose leaf-rolling sawfly may be a problem. Rabbits and deer can cause damage
Diseases
May be subject to black spot, rose rust, powdery mildews and a downy mildew
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.