How big does Rosa canina get?

It typically grows into a large, scrambling shrub reaching 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) in height and spread.

What kind of soil does it prefer?

It's not picky and grows well in most well-drained soils, from sandy to clay.

When is the best time to plant it?

Fall or early spring is ideal for planting bare-root or container-grown plants.

How often should I water it?

Young plants need regular watering, but established plants are quite drought-tolerant.

Yes, pruning can help maintain shape and encourage flowering and fruiting; best done after flowering.

Plant guide

Wild Rose.

Rosa canina

Pronounced ROH-zah KAH-nih-nah

Also known as Common-briar, Dog Rose, Dog-rose, Dogbrier

The Wild Rose, also known as Dog Rose, is a native European shrub celebrated for its fragrant pink to white flowers and vibrant red hips. It's a hardy, adaptable plant that thrives in various conditions and provides valuable food and shelter for wildlife.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Up to 5 meters tall and wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

This rose is quite forgiving and can tolerate a range of conditions. Prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Watch for common rose pests like aphids, though it's generally quite resistant.

Watering: Water regularly when young, then reduce frequency once established, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Feeding: Generally does not require supplemental feeding, but a light compost application in spring can be beneficial.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the plant.
Repotting: Established plants rarely need repotting; only consider if container-grown and root-bound.
Soil: Well-drained soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: -30 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, long-lived shrub.
Fragrance: light
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Safety

People: The plant itself is not toxic to humans, though some may experience mild stomach upset if large quantities are ingested.
Pets: The hips are edible for humans and wildlife, but the thorns can be a hazard to pets.
Children: Thorns can cause minor injuries if children handle the plant roughly. Rose hips are generally safe but should be eaten without the seeds.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience skin irritation from handling the plant, especially its thorns.
Airborne allergens: Pollen can be an allergen for sensitive individuals, especially during blooming season.
Edibility: Rose hips are edible and rich in vitamin C, but seeds can be irritating.

How to identify it

Thorny stems
Compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets
Fragrant, 5-petaled flowers
Bright red, oval-shaped hips
Arching, scrambling growth habit

Height: 3 to 5m
Spread: 3 to 5m
Leaves: Green, deciduous
Flowers: Pink, White, 2 to 5cm
Fruit: Red, Orange-red, Late summer to autumn

Common problems

Rose rust — Orange, powdery spots on leaves and stems, can cause premature leaf drop.
Powdery mildew — White, powdery patches on leaves, stems, and flowers, especially in humid conditions.
Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on new growth, causing distorted leaves and stems.
Rose gall wasps — Causes abnormal growths or 'galls' on stems and leaves.

Growing it

Propagation: Seed, Cuttings, Layering
When to plant: Spring, Autumn
Overwintering: Rosa canina is a hardy deciduous shrub that requires no special winter protection in most climates. Simply allow it to go dormant naturally. Remove any dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
In containers: Not ideal for containers due to its large, spreading habit and thorny nature; best suited for open ground or hedges.

Seed Propagation

Collect ripe rose hips in autumn.
Remove seeds from the pulp and wash them thoroughly.
Stratify seeds by storing them in moist sand or peat in the refrigerator for 3-4 months.
Sow seeds in pots or a seedbed in spring, covering them lightly with soil.
Keep the soil moist and cool until germination occurs, which can be erratic.

Cuttings

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
Select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them into 10-15 cm lengths.
Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into a pot of moist rooting medium.
Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment, such as a propagator or covered with a plastic bag.
Pot up rooted cuttings into individual pots once they have developed sufficient roots.

Plant it in mixed hedges with other native shrubs to maximize biodiversity benefits.

Grows well with

Hawthorn — Forms excellent, wildlife-friendly hedgerows together, providing food and shelter.
Blackthorn — Complements the thorny structure and provides additional berries for wildlife.
Elderberry — Its flowers and berries attract a wide range of pollinators and birds, benefiting the ecosystem.

Keep away from

Rose black spot — This fungal disease can severely weaken the plant, although Rosa canina is generally more resistant than cultivated varieties.
Rose powdery mildew — Can cause significant leaf and stem damage, reducing the plant's vigor and aesthetic appeal.

Similar species

Rosa rugosa — Also produces large, edible hips and is very hardy, but has distinctly wrinkled leaves and larger flowers.
Rosa pimpinellifolia — Has smaller, more delicate foliage and often produces dark purple to black hips, differing in leaf and fruit appearance.

Science

Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in open woodlands, scrub, hedgerows, and on the edges of forests, often colonizing disturbed ground.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant, food source (hips)
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: ornamental, hedgerows, culinary (hips), medicinal (hips)

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How big does Rosa canina get?: It typically grows into a large, scrambling shrub reaching 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) in height and spread.
What kind of soil does it prefer?: It's not picky and grows well in most well-drained soils, from sandy to clay.
When is the best time to plant it?: Fall or early spring is ideal for planting bare-root or container-grown plants.
How often should I water it?: Young plants need regular watering, but established plants are quite drought-tolerant.
Can it be pruned?: Yes, pruning can help maintain shape and encourage flowering and fruiting; best done after flowering.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Dog Rose' is thought to derive from an old belief that its root could cure the bite of a mad dog, or possibly because it was considered inferior to cultivated roses.

Good to know

Also known as the Dog Rose.
Its hips are one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C.
It's a very adaptable plant, tolerating a wide range of conditions.
Historically used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Is your wild rose looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.