Rosa Rugosa ‘Alba’

This vigorous, medium sized rose makes a superb hedging variety. The glossy green foliage, which turns to buttery yellow in autumn, hides thorny stems that would discourage any intruder. From July to September, Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ bears fragrant cup-shaped, white flowers which open from pale pink buds. The fragrant flowers are followed by attractive orange-red rosehips which extend the season of interest well into autumn. This useful species shrub rose makes a lovely addition to cottage gardens and wildlife areas. Height and spread: 1.5m (5′).

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Rosehips and petals can be used in making syrups and the petals will add flavour to cold drinks or fruit dishes.

Rose rugosa ‘Alba’ is a vigorous, medium-sized rose variety, excellent for hedging. Its glossy green foliage turns to buttery yellow in autumn – and hides thorny stems that would discourage any intruder! ‘Alba’ bears fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers from July to September, which open from pale pink buds. Attractive orange-red rosehips follow, extending the season of interest well into the autumn. A useful species shrub rose, and a lovely addition to cottage gardens and wildlife areas. Height and spread: 1.5m (5′). Plant roses at the earliest opportunity following delivery. To avoid the risk from the build-up of harmful soil organisms and disease, choose an open position in full sun that has not been planted with roses in recent years. Roses enjoy a rich, fertile, well drained soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to the soil prior to planting roses and add a small handful of granular fertiliser to the planting hole.