Species Rose Hip Varieties for Use in Arrangements

By Carol Macon, Colorado Springs, CO

Species roses are naturally occurring roses found in the wild. There are about 200 known species rose varieties. They are, of course, hardy and disease-free where they are found growing.

Rosa woodsii, for instance, can be found at any altitude below the tree line throughout our Rocky Mountains. Most species produce flowers with only five petals, and these flowers often pale in significance compared to the amazing displays of colorful, long-lasting hips that are produced in late summer and fall if the plants have not been deadheaded. Most hips are not usually disfigured by frost and often persist into winter, providing welcome food for birds. Species roses, therefore, often have great value as garden plants for all seasons. Rose hips are food for humans, too, and a prime source of vitamin C, but do not use them for food or beverages if they have been exposed to systemic sprays. There is no reason to spray species roses, as they are usually impervious to insects and disease. Rose hips are a wonderful foil for autumn leaves, late-blooming roses and other fall flowers in arrangements, and it is not surprising that every rose arranger has favorite hip producers. The following are some that I find very useful.

Rosa alba ‘Semiplena’ I know, I know. Alba Semiplena is not technically a species rose, although it is very ancient, and alba in character. It is probably the result of an early cross of R. alba with a gallica. I think of it as a superior form of R. alba. True to its name though, this rose produces elegant, white, 2 ½” to 3” blooms of six to twelve petals on a plant that easily grows to six feet tall by four feet wide. As with all albas, its foliage has a grayish-blue cast. It is hardy throughout zone 3, making it a stalwart for mountain gardens. Substantial orange hips are produced in clusters on foot long stems off the main canes in September, but this rose is one to grow for its fragrant flowers, too.

Rosa canina I have a love/hate relationship with this rose. It grows to ten feet tall by ten feet wide and readily self-sows, so it really isn’t a plant for suburban gardens. On the other hand, when its beautifully arching canes drip with thousands of bright orange hips, it literally stops traffic in front of our house—and this goes on all winter. I have had people come to the door to ask about it, usually in January or February when there is nothing else so vibrant in the landscape. In spring, daffodils provide an accent to the still-present hips. In May, the hips begin to turn black. Often canes can be found with both orange and black hips. These spectacular canes are for BIG arrangements, and are fun to use at Christmas with traditional greens. My plant is a selection called ‘inermis’, meaning “without thorns.” Rosa canina inermis is available from Hortico in Canada, and is known to be hardy to 30 degrees below zero.

Rosa glauca, formerly known as Rosa rubrifolia. Glauca is Latin for gray, but there is nothing gray about this rose, and I fail to understand why the American Rose Society changed Rosa rubrifolia’s accurately descriptive name. If I could grow only one species rose, this would be it. A wonderful plant for shrub borders and the ultimate arranger’s rose, it grows to six feet high, but is very slender and airy, so that it can be effectively woven with other plants. The gracefully arching canes are dark red, as is its spring foliage, which ages to a red-veined dark green. Its pink flowers are small and star-like. The red canes provide garden color in winter. But R. glauca is grown also for its hips, green with blushed flesh in July, turning deep burgundy in August and finally bright red in September. No other hips exhibit such an interesting color change. I like to use them in their burgundy stage, when they compliment roses of any color. Glauca is hardy to at least minus 20 degrees.

Rosa moyesii This extraordinary species rose from western China is grown for its elongated, vase-shaped hips as well as its eye-catching, deep blood red flowers with bright yellow stamens. This is a case in which the species rose is more aesthetically pleasing than any of its immediate crosses. The bush is upright and tree-like in appearance with somewhat sparse canes; the leaves are small and ferny. Rosa moyesii grows to 6 feet and full sun is a necessity. It is hardy only to minus 10 degrees; therefore, in cold climates, winter protection is necessary. In arrangements, the hips, which can vary from a highly blushed yellow to fiery red, are scene-stealers.

Rosa rugosa Originally discovered on the beaches of Japan and native to northeastern Asia, R. rugosa (pink) and its sports R. rugosa alba (white) and R. rugosa rubra (magenta) are at home in difficult soils and tough climates around the world. All forms are very fragrant; the alba form smells intensely of cloves. These rugosas bloom heavily in spring and intermittently through the summer; they have good fall color, with foliage that turns yellow, orange and russet. Bright red hips the size of cherry tomatoes are produced, often while the plants are still flowering. These are the finest hips for use in rose jelly and rose hip tea. Unfortunately, frost will tend to shrivel rugosa hips, so they are best used early in the fall. In arrangements, the heavy, crinkled leaves will need to be manipulated to show the hips to advantage. These rugosas are hardy in zone 3.

For a special treat, plan a September vacation in this area and visit Cashel Farms Nurseries in Simla, Colorado. There you will find many species rose varieties sporting their fall fruit. The variety of shapes and sizes of hips are astounding, and you may find yourself wanting them all. Contact Ted or Aaron Reeves, 719-541-2417. Cashel Farms is located at 14850 Holtwood Road in Simla, and it is best to call ahead to ask about the timing of the hip display.