Dog rose Rosa canina
Dog rose (Rosa canina) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It grows 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) tall and 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Dog rose at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: hips (remove hairy seeds), petals |
| Native to | Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed in southern states), New Zealand: check local rules before planting |
Is Dog rose toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Roses are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; thorns can injure.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dog rose
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Dog rose
- How far apart should I plant Dog rose?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft).
- Does Dog rose need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dog rose need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Dog rose?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Dog rose flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dog rose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Roses are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; thorns can injure.
- What grows well with Dog rose?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Wild species with a single flush of flowers in June; arching, thorny canes; rose hips are rich in vitamin C and the hairy seeds are irritant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata