If you’ve decided to add a Dog Rose to your garden, you’re in for a real treat! These beauties put on a spectacular show when they bloom. Here’s the lowdown on when those blossoms pop up and what you can expect from this hardy shrub. Follow these simple tips, and your Dog Rose will be the star of your backyard.
A Bounty of Blooms
While individual Dog Rose blossoms only stay open for a few weeks, don’t let that fool you. This plant is a heavy producer, constantly pushing out new flowers so you might not even notice the old ones fading. As long as you’ve picked the right spot in your yard, your rose will stay looking gorgeous for a long stretch of the season.
But wait—there’s more! If you give your Dog Rose a little TLC, the flowers are just the beginning. Once the petals fall, the plant produces bright red fruits known as rose hips. These add a stunning pop of color to your fall landscape, and the best part? You can harvest them to make homemade jam or tea.
When Does the Dog Rose Bloom?
Dog Rose flowers come in a few different shades, usually ranging from a crisp white to a soft, delicate pink. At about two inches wide, they aren’t just pretty to look at—they also have a lovely, light fragrance that wafts through the air. If you plant a Dog Rose hedge, the combination of the visual display and that sweet scent is absolutely magical.
The Perfect Spot for Your Dog Rose:
- A sunny location
- Loose, well-draining soil (no soggy feet!)
- Nutrient-rich soil
Typically, you’ll see the first flowers appearing in June. By September, those blooms transform into rose hips. Pro tip: Don’t deadhead the faded flowers! If you cut them off, you won’t get any fruit. Even if you don’t plan on cooking with the hips, those little red berries look fantastic against the green foliage. Just make sure your plant is happy and well-fed, and you’ll be rewarded with a bumper crop of hips every autumn.
