Dog Rose
rosa canina
Also known as: ["Dog Rose","Rosehip","Wild Rose"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia, known for its pink flowers and edible hips.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Botanical Name: | Rosa canina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, hedge, or border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter (compost or aged manure).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on plant size and age.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust in extreme heat by providing partial shade during peak afternoon hours.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure protection from harsh winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in prolonged heat above 85°F (29°C).
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring and after flowering; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid (70–80% humidity), and partial shade.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or coarse sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches; thin out crowded canes; cut back old stems to the base to stimulate new growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead/diseased wood. Focus on removing old canes to promote new growth.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for thick stems), gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container-grown plants.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Outdoor plants typically do not require repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water penetrates the root ball but avoid wetting foliage. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to enhance fertility and structure. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), bud drop, stunted growth, or leaf scorch in excessive heat; wilting or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dormancy. Frost can damage tender tissues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in freezing conditions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring/after bloom; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply again after the first bloom cycle. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRosa canina is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for feline exposure, though ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicRosa canina is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is often found in natural environments where dogs may encounter it without adverse effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicRosa canina, commonly known as dog rose, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant is often used in traditional medicine and culinary applications, such as the preparation of rose hip syrup, which is rich in vitamin C.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the hips of Rosa canina edible?
A: Yes, the hips are edible and rich in vitamin C.
Q: Does Rosa canina attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Rosa canina invasive?
A: It can spread in some regions but is not typically considered invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
