Ground-cover roses

They form low, billowing carpets of usually single flowers, produced all along the flexible stems. They either repeat flower or produce attractive red hips in autumn.

Give them a sunny position in soil that drains easily. They will fare reasonably well in poor soil and are very tolerant of exposed sites.

Avoid waterlogged soil and shady spots.

For seamless cover, peg stems to the ground with bent wire. These roses are great for attracting wildlife – birds feed on the autumn hips and the low branches provide shelter for many small creatures.