English Wild Rose

All our seeds are 100% Canadian Grown, Processed-by-Hand, Non-GMO, Certified Organic, and Open Pollinated. From our 10-acre Seed Farm in Metchosin, BC since 2004.

Quick Notes

• Hardy climbing rose with delicate pink flowers
• Thrives in a wide range of soil and growing conditions
• Produces bright red, tangy rose hips in autumn
• Excellent for perimeter fencing and wildlife-friendly gardens
• Does not spread through root suckers

About English Wild Rose
English Wild Rose (Rosa canina) is a resilient and beautiful climbing rose, known for its graceful pink blooms and bright red hips. It is surprisingly tough and adaptable, thriving in varied soil types and growing conditions.

Blooming profusely in late spring and summer, the simple yet elegant flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to naturalised landscapes. The oblong, bright red rose hips ripen in autumn and become even sweeter after frost, making them ideal for teas, syrups, and jams.

Unlike some other wild roses, this variety does not spread aggressively through root suckers, making it an excellent choice for controlled growth in gardens and along fence lines.

Where Can You Grow English Wild Rose?
English Wild Rose thrives in Zones 4-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is well-suited for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and trellised landscapes.

History and Historical Uses
Native to Europe, English Wild Rose has long been valued for its beauty, hardiness, and medicinal properties. The rose hips are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, traditionally used in herbal teas, jams, and immune-boosting remedies. In England, wild roses have been planted in countryside hedgerows for centuries, adding both aesthetic charm and practical benefits.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Plant in autumn or early spring for optimal establishment.
Zones 5-7: Transplant in spring after the last frost, ensuring well-drained soil.
Zones 4: Grow in a sheltered location, mulching roots for winter protection.

How to Grow and Harvest English Wild Rose

• Planting: Space plants 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) apart in full sun or partial shade.
• Watering: Keep soil moderately moist, but avoid waterlogging.
• Support: Train along fences, trellises, or walls for best growth.
• Harvesting:
  • Pick rose hips in autumn after they fully ripen.
  • Use immediately or dry for long-term storage.
• Pruning: Trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage future blooms.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

• Allow Hips to Ripen: Leave some bright red hips on the plant until late autumn.
• Harvest Seeds: Cut open ripe hips and remove the small seeds inside.
• Dry and Clean: Rinse seeds and allow them to fully dry.
• Stratification: Store seeds in a moist paper towel in the fridge for 60-90 days before planting.
• Store: Keep dry seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 3 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)