Dog Rose Hedge (Rosa canina)

Dog Rose Hedging Plant Description

Dog Rose, commonly grown as a beautiful informal garden shrub, also serves as an excellent hedge for protection against intruders due to its hooked thorns, which create an impenetrable barrier whether planted alone or as part of a mixed native hedge. Its dense growth provides wonderful shelter for wildlife, who are fond of its vitamin C-rich fruits, which are also edible for humans. The shiny red rose hips that appear in autumn are the source of the popular rosehip oil.

Dog Rose is a very fast-growing shrub, achieving growth of up to 40-60 cm per year. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and although it can tolerate partial shade, Rosa canina performs best in sunny locations. It is a hardy shrub that can withstand strong winds and grow well near the coast, making it an ideal choice for more exposed coastal areas.

Pruning Advice

Dog Rose (Rosa canina), commonly cultivated as an attractive informal garden shrub, also makes an excellent hedge for security purposes. Its hooked thorns create an effective barrier, making it an impenetrable hedge whether planted alone or as part of a mixed native hedge. Additionally, its dense foliage provides excellent shelter for wildlife, which are drawn to its vitamin C-rich fruits. These fruits, known as rose hips, are also edible for humans and are used to produce popular rosehip oil.

Dog Rose is a very fast-growing shrub, with annual growth of up to 40-60 cm. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and prefers sunny locations, although it can tolerate partial shade. This hardy shrub is resilient to strong winds and coastal conditions, making it suitable for exposed coastal areas.

For optimal health and shape, Rosa canina should be pruned regularly. Routine pruning should be done in late summer to maintain its form, while renovation pruning can be carried out in late autumn or winter to rejuvenate the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are detailed in the product grid. These recommendations serve as a guide, allowing you to consider how quickly you wish to achieve a mature hedge. As a general reference, bare root plants can be planted at densities ranging from 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants should be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, planting in a double staggered row or zig-zag pattern is advised.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.