Rosa canina: The dog rose - a robust wild rose for naturalised gardens
Rosa canina, also known as the dog rose, is one of the best-known wild rose species in Europe. With its natural charm, delicate flowers and vitamin-rich rose hips, it is a popular plant for semi-natural gardens and landscapes. The dog rose is extremely adaptable, easy to care for and provides a valuable habitat for numerous animal species. It is ideal for hedges, groups of wild shrubs or as a solitary plant and is an important source of food for insects and birds.
Appearance and growth behaviour
Rosa canina is a vigorously growing shrub that can reach a height of 150 to 250 cm. The shrub is characterised by long, overhanging branches with strong thorns, which give it a characteristic, wild look. The leaves of the dog rose are pinnate, dark green and usually 5 to 7-lobed.
In early summer, usually from May to July, the dog rose adorns itself with delicate, five-petalled flowers that shine in pink or white. These flowers exude a pleasant, subtle fragrance and attract numerous pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the bright red rose hips develop, which remain on the branches into the winter and provide valuable food for birds such as thrushes and blackbirds.
Undemanding and versatile
The dog rose is known for its robust nature and adaptability. It thrives in almost any soil - from calcareous to slightly acidic - and tolerates both dry and slightly moist locations. However, it prefers well-drained soil that is not too wet. Rosa canina is also flexible in terms of location: it grows in full sun as well as in partial shade or shadow and is extremely frost-hardy. Due to its resistance to diseases and pests, it is a particularly low-maintenance plant.
This wild rose is ideal for planting in hedges and embankments as it forms dense, impenetrable structures that provide both privacy and protection for animals. It also helps to stabilise the soil, which makes it attractive for slopes. Pruning is not usually necessary, but can be done in winter or early spring to keep the shrub in shape.
Planting partners and ecological importance
Rosa canina combines excellently with other native shrubs. In near-natural hedges, it is the perfect complement to shrubs such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) or privet (Ligustrum vulgare). These combinations create a dense hedge that is not only visually appealing, but also provides a valuable habitat for numerous animal species.
In combination with perennials such as wild dost (Origanum vulgare), the dog rose helps to promote biodiversity by attracting pollinators and providing food and nesting sites for birds. The rose hips, which are rich in vitamin C, are not only appreciated by birds but can also be used by humans, for example to make rose hip jam or tea.
Historical significance and use
Rosa canina, the dog rose, has a long tradition in natural medicine. The rose hips of the plant have always been valued for their high vitamin C content and used to strengthen the immune system. The seeds and petals have also been used in naturopathy, for example to prepare teas or ointments.
The dog rose was also used as a natural defence wall in the Middle Ages, as its thorny branches formed an impenetrable barrier. To this day, it is a popular shrub in near-natural garden and landscape designs. In combination with other native shrubs and perennials, it creates habitats for numerous animal species and helps to promote biodiversity. An absolute must for anyone who wants to transform their garden into a natural paradise.
