Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar) - Bareroot

Rosa rubiginosa, commonly known as the sweet briar rose or eglantine rose, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Rosaceae. Native to Europe and western Asia, it has also naturalized in many temperate regions worldwide. The plant typically grows 1 to 3 meters tall and is easily recognized by its arching, thorny stems and its small, fragrant pink flowers that bloom in early summer. One of its most distinctive features is the apple-like fragrance emitted by its glandular, sticky leaves, especially after rain. Rosa rubiginosa produces bright red, oval rose hips in autumn, which are rich in vitamin C and used in herbal teas, jams, and traditional remedies. It thrives in sunny, well-drained sites, commonly found in hedgerows, grasslands, and woodland edges. Ecologically valuable, it provides nectar for pollinators and food for birds, though in some regions—such as Australia and New Zealand—it is regarded as an invasive species due to its ability to form dense thickets that displace native plants.

Please see our GUIDE TO PLANTING HEDGES for more info.