Wild roses such as Rosa Canina (the dog rose) are perhaps a little plain to look at, compared to their modern cousins. Generally smaller single flowers in various shades of pink, they have one outstanding feature. The attractive red hips produced in the fall. I think that the name dog rose comes from an old belief that the rose … Read moreRosa Canina
This is one of the earlier of the Austin English roses. Bred in 1986, it is no longer actively marketed due to it being superseded by better varieties. That means you may find it difficult to get a bush from a commercial nursery. Your best bet is to find somebody with a plant and beg … Read moreOthello
For those of us that enjoy using roses for natural remedies and recipes, the wild varieties are what we turn to first. Wild (or species) roses are more hardy than their highly bred cousins, and with their abundance of big red hips, they are a foragers delight! And with their wafer thin petals, they make excellent rose petal … Read morePrairie Rose
The Rugosa rose, also known as Japanese rose and Ramanas rose. This beautiful flowering shrub is native to Asia and was first seen in China, Japan and Korea where it grows along the coastline in sandy soiled areas. The name ‘Rugosa’ rose actually comes from the Japanese word ‘Hamans’ which means ‘shore pear’, due to its prickly bush like foliage. The … Read moreWild Roses: Rugosa
Also called the rosa palustris, it is almost exclusively found in the Eastern US, east of the Mississippi River. Pockets of it can be found in Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota, so it is slowly making its way west. It’s not classed as invasive like the multiflora rose. It tends to do better in the east … Read moreWild Rose In The USA: Swamp Rose
Veilchenblau, a Lilac-lavender colored rose makes our list of top five ramblers for some very good reasons. It is wonderfully fragrant, nearly thornless, easy to grow, and somewhat shade tolerant. Vielchenblau Rambler Class: Rambling, Hybrid Multiflora Origin: Johan Schmits 1909 Habit: Climbing, up to 6m Blooms: Masses of smaller semi-double flowers, no repeat. Very fragrant Parentage: Crimson Rambler … Read moreVeilchenblau: Wonderfully Fragrant Rambler
Rosa Virginiana (Virginia Rose) Also known as Rosa Virginiana, this species is common on the East Coast of the United States, but can go as far west as Arkansas and as far north as Quebec and Ontario. It is a perennial shrub, much like the multiflora and swamp species. Left unchecked, it can reach six … Read moreRosa Virginiana
The Cabbage rose (Centifolias), also called ‘Provence’ rose, was first cultivated in the Middle Ages and is famous for its strong floral scent and large double petalled flowers. The flowers are always a rich pink colour with greyish green foliage on a long stem. Due to a wonderful strong frangrance the Cabbage rose is cultivated for its … Read moreCentifolia: AKA, Cabbage Rose
Constance Spry The First English Rose The very first of David Austins English rose collection, Constance Spry is still as popular as ever after more than 50 years on the market. While it has been supersceded by new and improved varieties, Constance will always hold a special place in the hearts of rose lovers. Unfortunately, … Read moreConstance Spry