Maritime Arboretum Seed Sweet-Brier Rose

Rosa rubiginosa

A deciduous, thorny shrub with arching stems, pink to pale pink flowers, and distinctive apple-scented foliage. It produces red-orange rose hips in late summer and fall.

Approximate Maximum Height: Up to 2 m
Zone(s): Zone 4-9

Lighting: Full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and strongest growth, provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.

Germination: Seeds have double dormancy and can be slow to germinate. Cold stratification for about 3-4 months at 1-5°C (34-41°F) is generally recommended, followed by sowing in a well-draining seed mix. Germination may be irregular and can take several months.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while seeds are germinating but avoid waterlogging. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant; water deeply during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Photo Courtesy of Maritime Arboretum Ltd.