Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The dog rose, Rosa canina, bears an attractive burst of lightly scented, usually pink flowers in summer. These are followed by a terrific show of bright red hips. It's fast growing and its stems are incredibly prickly, making it a good choice for an informal mixed hedge. It's a great wildlife plant, attracting bees, butterflies, moths and birds. The density of its groth habit provides shelter for birds and small mammals such as hedgehogs.
For best results grow Rosa canina on moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. To maintain its shape, prune back older stems to around 30cm above ground level, from late autumn to early spring.
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Rosa and wildlife
Rosa is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
