Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

Dog Rose

Rosa canina

Its delicate pink blooms carry wild charm, a staple of European hedgerows. Deciduous flowering shrub; common name: dog rose.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes maximum flowering, while partial shade is tolerated in hot summer regions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C, suitable for cold temperate climates; avoid prolonged temperatures above 32°C to prevent leaf scorch
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 5–7 oval, serrated leaflets; matte medium green
  • Flower: Pale pink to white five-petaled blooms with bright yellow stamens; lightly fragrant
  • Fruit: Oval red hips ripen in autumn, packed with vitamin C
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth

Fertilization

Apply balanced organic feed once at bud break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the shrub base and water in lightly to release nutrients
Pruning
  • Prune dead, damaged, or diseased branches in late winter to encourage new growth
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Remove spent blooms to promote a potential second flush of flowers
  • Trim overly long arching stems to maintain desired shrub shape
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; hips are edible when prepared properly

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes love and remembrance in some European folklore; hips were historically used to treat colds and vitamin deficiencies

Usage: Ornamental hedgerow planting; hips used to make jams, teas, and vitamin C supplements