Plant Needs
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
Care Guide
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
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- 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
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; hips are edible when prepared properly
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
PlantFun







