Sweet Briar - Rosa rubiginosa, also known as sweetbriar rose, sweet brier or eglantine, is a species of rose that is native to Europe and western Asia . It has pink flowers and apple-scented foliage that are especially fragrant after rain . It also produces red fruits called hips that are rich in vitamin C and can be used for making jam, syrup, tea, or wine .
Rosa rubiginosa is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and has prickly stems that bear compound pinnate leaves . It prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil, and it is tolerant of poor soil and shade.
Rosa rubiginosa is a common hedging plant in the UK, where it attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators . Sweet Briar provides shelter and habitat for birds and other wildlife. This wild Apple Rose produces pretty pink flowers followed by striking deep red rose hips.
The current height of the plants is approximately 15-30cm and they can be planted out all year round.
RHS Perfect for Pollinators in Summer.
- Plant in wet, dry, open and upland sites
- Like most soil types
- Pretty rose flowers and rose hips
- Garden shrub or hedgerow plant
