Rosa spinosissima (Scotch Rose)

Tough and hardy, Rosa spinosissima (Scotch Rose) is a small suckering shrub boasting pretty, single, creamy-white flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), in late spring to early summer. Mildly but sweetly scented, they are borne in profusion on prickly stems bearing a handsome, fern-like foliage of bright green leaves that are composed of rounded, delicate leaflets. As an extra bonus, the blossoms are followed by spherical, purplish-black fruits. Disease, salt and drought tolerant, Scotch Rose is perfect as a groundcover or as a low hedge.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm) on stems that are thickly covered with straight thorns and stiff bristles.
• Best grown in full sun to part shade, in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor soils and sandy soils. Note that best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. For best flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch in late winter or early spring.
• Perfect for cottage gardens, coastal gardens, dry and windy sites. Grows well in sandy, seaside conditions.
• Watch for black spot, rose rust and powdery mildews. May be affected by aphids, leafhoppers, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars and rose leaf-rolling sawfly
• Attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies and birds
• Prune in late summer once flowering is completed.
• Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or propagate by seed.
• Native to Europe, Asia