# Popular Varieties of Rosa Canina: Introduction and Comparison of Different Varieties

By - sarahmartincomedy.com
Posted on 3 June 2024
Posted in Blog

Rosa Canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a species of wild rose that is renowned for its hardiness, beautiful blooms, and medicinally valuable hips. This plant has been a staple in gardens and natural landscapes for centuries due to its aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. While the species itself is widely appreciated, there are several varieties of Rosa Canina that exhibit unique characteristics. This section provides an in-depth introduction and comparison of the most popular varieties, highlighting their distinct features, growth habits, and uses.

## Overview of Rosa Canina

Before diving into the specific varieties, it’s essential to understand the general characteristics of Rosa Canina. This deciduous shrub typically grows 1 to 5 meters tall and is characterized by its arching stems and thorny branches. The leaves are pinnate with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet being toothed. The flowers, which bloom in early summer, are usually pink or white and are followed by the production of red-orange hips in the autumn.

### Common Characteristics
– **Height**: 1 to 5 meters
– **Flowers**: Pink or white, blooming in early summer
– **Leaves**: Pinnate with 5-7 toothed leaflets
– **Hips**: Red-orange, rich in vitamin C
– **Thorns**: Present on stems and branches

## Popular Varieties of Rosa Canina

### 1. Rosa Canina ‘Assisiensis’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Assisiensis’ is a thornless variety of the dog rose, making it a popular choice for gardens where thorns might pose a problem, such as those with children or pets. This variety retains all the aesthetic and functional benefits of the species without the risk of injury from thorns.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 2 to 3 meters
– **Flowers**: Pale pink, similar to the species
– **Thorns**: Thornless
– **Hips**: Red-orange, slightly smaller than the typical Rosa Canina hips

**Uses**: Due to its thornless nature, Rosa Canina ‘Assisiensis’ is ideal for use in garden borders, hedges, and as a decorative plant in areas with high human traffic. The hips can be used for making syrups and jellies.

### 2. Rosa Canina ‘Inermis’

**Description**: Another thornless variety, Rosa Canina ‘Inermis’ is known for its vigorous growth and prolific flowering. It is often used in landscaping for its robust nature and attractive appearance.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 3 to 4 meters
– **Flowers**: Pale pink to white
– **Thorns**: Thornless
– **Hips**: Bright red and abundant

**Uses**: This variety is frequently used in public parks and large gardens due to its vigorous growth and low maintenance needs. It is also suitable for use in hedgerows and naturalized areas.

### 3. Rosa Canina ‘Schmid’s Ideal’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Schmid’s Ideal’ is a variety selected for its superior hip production. The hips of this variety are larger and more abundant, making it a favorite for those interested in harvesting rose hips for culinary or medicinal purposes.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 2 to 3 meters
– **Flowers**: Soft pink
– **Thorns**: Present but fewer compared to the species
– **Hips**: Larger and more numerous

**Uses**: This variety is primarily grown for its hips, which are used in making rose hip tea, syrup, and supplements. It is also appreciated for its ornamental value.

### 4. Rosa Canina ‘Red Star’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Red Star’ is noted for its striking red stems and branches, which add winter interest to gardens. This variety also has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller spaces.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 1.5 to 2.5 meters
– **Flowers**: Pink
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Red-orange, typical size

**Uses**: ‘Red Star’ is often used in ornamental gardening for its aesthetic appeal during the winter months. It can be planted as a standalone specimen or in mixed borders for added color and texture.

### 5. Rosa Canina ‘White Dawn’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘White Dawn’ is a climbing variety that produces clusters of white flowers. This variety is particularly suited for trellises, arbors, and walls where its climbing nature can be showcased.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 3 to 5 meters (when supported)
– **Flowers**: White
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Red-orange, typical size

**Uses**: Ideal for vertical gardening, ‘White Dawn’ is perfect for covering fences, walls, and pergolas. Its abundant white flowers also make it a favorite for cottage gardens and romantic garden settings.

### 6. Rosa Canina ‘Grootendorst’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Grootendorst’ is a variety known for its double, frilled flowers that resemble small carnations. This unique flower form sets it apart from other Rosa Canina varieties.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 1.5 to 2.5 meters
– **Flowers**: Deep pink to red, frilled and double
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Smaller than the typical Rosa Canina hips

**Uses**: The ‘Grootendorst’ variety is popular in ornamental gardens for its unusual and attractive flowers. It can be used in mixed borders, as a hedge, or as a standalone specimen plant.

## Comparison of Varieties

When comparing these popular varieties of Rosa Canina, several factors come into play, including growth habit, flower color, thorn presence, and hip production. Here is a summarized comparison of the varieties discussed:

## Cultivation Tips for Rosa Canina Varieties

### Site Selection

Regardless of the variety, Rosa Canina thrives best in well-draining soil with good air circulation. Select a site that receives full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).

### Planting

When planting Rosa Canina, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

### Watering

Water newly planted roses regularly to establish a strong root system. Once established, Rosa Canina is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent watering during dry spells, especially during the blooming and fruiting periods.

### Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintain plant health, encourage flowering, and prevent disease. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood and thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.

### Fertilizing

Feed Rosa Canina with a balanced rose fertilizer or a general-purpose garden fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

### Pest and Disease Management

While Rosa Canina is generally hardy, it can still be affected by common rose diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases and treat promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls.

## Conclusion

Rosa Canina offers a diverse array of varieties that cater to different gardening needs and preferences. Whether you seek thornless options for safer handling, vibrant winter interest, or superior hip production for culinary uses, there is a Rosa Canina variety to suit your garden. Understanding the unique characteristics and optimal growing conditions for each variety allows gardeners to select the best plants for their specific requirements, ensuring a beautiful and productive addition to their landscape.

# Popular Varieties of Rosa Canina: Introduction and Comparison of Different Varieties (Part 2)

Continuing from the first part, we delve deeper into other notable varieties of Rosa Canina. Each of these varieties possesses distinct traits that cater to different horticultural needs, aesthetic preferences, and practical uses.

## More Popular Varieties of Rosa Canina

### 7. Rosa Canina ‘Plena’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Plena’ is recognized for its full, double blooms, which set it apart from the typical single-flowered varieties. This variety brings an old-world charm to gardens and is favored for its abundant, showy flowers.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 2 to 3 meters
– **Flowers**: Double, pale pink to white
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Red, moderate size

**Uses**: Due to its ornamental value, Rosa Canina ‘Plena’ is excellent for garden borders and can be used as a focal point in mixed shrub beds. Its dense, double blooms make it a favorite for cut flower arrangements.

### 8. Rosa Canina ‘Scarlet Fire’

**Description**: Known for its vibrant red flowers, Rosa Canina ‘Scarlet Fire’ adds a splash of color to any garden. This variety also boasts a prolonged blooming period, providing visual interest from spring through fall.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 1.5 to 2.5 meters
– **Flowers**: Bright red, single or semi-double
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Bright red, abundant

**Uses**: ‘Scarlet Fire’ is ideal for creating vibrant hedges or as a standout specimen in flower beds. Its prolonged bloom period ensures continuous color in the garden, making it suitable for perennial borders.

### 9. Rosa Canina ‘Golden Wings’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Golden Wings’ is distinguished by its large, single, pale yellow flowers. This variety is particularly valued for its unique color and large blossoms, which can reach up to 4 inches in diameter.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 1.5 to 3 meters
– **Flowers**: Single, pale yellow
– **Thorns**: Few, relatively sparse
– **Hips**: Red-orange, moderate size

**Uses**: ‘Golden Wings’ is often used in cottage gardens and mixed borders where its unique color and large flowers can be appreciated. It also attracts pollinators, making it beneficial for biodiversity.

### 10. Rosa Canina ‘Complicata’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Complicata’ is a hybrid variety known for its large, pink, single flowers with a white center. It is a vigorous grower and produces a profusion of blooms that cover the plant in late spring and early summer.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 2 to 4 meters
– **Flowers**: Large, pink with a white center, single
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Large, bright red

**Uses**: This variety is excellent for large gardens and can be used to cover fences, walls, or as a feature shrub. Its striking flowers make it a focal point in any landscape.

### 11. Rosa Canina ‘Frau Dagmar Hastrup’

**Description**: This variety, sometimes simply known as ‘Dagmar Hastrup’, is notable for its compact growth habit and fragrant, pale pink flowers. It’s particularly resistant to diseases, making it a robust choice for various garden settings.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 1 to 1.5 meters
– **Flowers**: Pale pink, fragrant
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Large, red

**Uses**: ‘Frau Dagmar Hastrup’ is perfect for smaller gardens, container gardening, or as a ground cover. Its compact size and fragrant flowers make it suitable for planting near patios and walkways.

### 12. Rosa Canina ‘Maxima’

**Description**: Rosa Canina ‘Maxima’ is known for its large, creamy white flowers and strong fragrance. This ancient variety has been cultivated for centuries and is prized for its robust growth and beautiful blooms.

**Characteristics**:
– **Height**: 2 to 3 meters
– **Flowers**: Large, creamy white, fragrant
– **Thorns**: Present
– **Hips**: Red, moderate size

**Uses**: Ideal for traditional and historical gardens, ‘Maxima’ can be used as a background plant or in mixed borders. Its fragrant flowers also make it a good choice for cut flowers.

## Detailed Comparison of Varieties

To better understand the differences among these varieties, here is a detailed comparison table highlighting their key attributes and ideal uses:

## Cultivation and Care Tips for Rosa Canina Varieties

While each variety has its unique traits, the general care and cultivation practices remain consistent across all Rosa Canina varieties. Below are detailed guidelines to ensure optimal growth and health of these plants.

### Soil and Planting

Rosa Canina thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Here are the steps for successful planting:
– **Soil Preparation**: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
– **Planting Time**: The best time to plant is in late autumn or early spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
– **Planting Depth**: Plant at the same depth as they were in the nursery container. Ensure the root ball is fully covered with soil.

### Watering and Mulching

Consistent moisture is crucial, especially for young plants. Mature Rosa Canina plants are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
– **Watering**: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
– **Mulching**: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

### Pruning and Training

Pruning helps maintain the shape, health, and vigor of Rosa Canina. Different varieties may require specific pruning techniques:
– **Timing**: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
– **Technique**: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.
– **Training**: For climbing varieties like ‘White Dawn,’ tie canes to supports as they grow.

### Fertilization

Regular feeding promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms:
– **Early Spring**: Apply a balanced fertilizer when new growth begins.
– **Mid-Summer**: A second feeding in mid-summer helps sustain growth and flowering.

### Pest and Disease Control

While Rosa Canina is generally robust, it can be susceptible to common rose pests and diseases:
– **Aphids and Mites**: Inspect regularly and control with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
– **Black Spot and Powdery Mildew**: Prevent with good air circulation and treat with appropriate fungicides if necessary.
– **Organic Controls**: Encourage beneficial insects and use organic treatments to manage pest populations.

### Propagation

Rosa Canina can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering:
– **Seeds**: Sow seeds in autumn after stratifying them for better germination.
– **Cuttings**: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer and root them in a well-draining medium.
– **Layering**: Layering can be done in spring by bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil.

## Conclusion

The diverse varieties of Rosa Canina offer a wealth of options for gardeners seeking to enhance their landscapes with beauty, functionality, and historical charm. Each variety presents unique attributes, from the thornless ‘Assisiensis’ to the vibrant ‘Scarlet Fire’ and the fragrant ‘Maxima.’ Understanding the specific characteristics and care requirements of each variety allows gardeners to make informed decisions, ensuring the successful cultivation and enjoyment of these remarkable plants. Whether for ornamental purposes, hedge formation, or hip harvesting, Rosa Canina varieties provide valuable contributions to gardens and natural settings worldwide. By following proper cultivation practices, gardeners can enjoy the enduring beauty and benefits of Rosa Canina for years to come.