Rosa rubiginosa

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Sweet briarShrub, DeciduousFamily: Rosaceae

Height: 2.5mSpread: 2.5m

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Green

Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) is a shrub rose with prickly stems, fragrant foliage, and single, pink flowers, followed by red hips. The name sweet briar means "fragrant thorn". It's also known as the Eglantine rose.

Similar to, and often mistaken for dog rose (Rosa canina), sweet briar has sweet, almost apple-scented foliage, particularly after rain. Native to the UK, it's a common hedgerow plant. However, it's naturalised in North America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, where it's considered an invasive plant and is banned from sale.

Growing sweet briar

Sweet briar's dense, prickly habit makes it perfect for using against a boundary, and it's also suitable for using as part of a mixed wildlife hedge. It can grow in a variety of locations, including coastal regions. Plant in moist but well-drained soil.

Advice on buying sweet briar

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Sweet briar is available to buy as bareroot hedging plants from November to March, or as potted plants throughout the year
Choose hedging whips if planting sweet briar as a hedge, or buy pot-growing plants if growing as a shrub
Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting

Where to buy sweet briar

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Rosa ‘rubiginosa’ and wildlife

Rosa ‘rubiginosa’ 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.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Rosa ‘rubiginosa’ poisonous?

Rosa ‘rubiginosa’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People