About Rosa spinosissima L.
Rosa spinosissima L. is a relatively low, erect deciduous plant. It usually grows 20–140 cm tall, and occasionally reaches up to 2 metres in height. The species spreads via basal shoots, and can form large, extensive stands. Its stems bear very many stiff bristles alongside numerous straight prickles. Young stems, prickles, and mature leaves are typically very red: new young growth is bright scarlet, while older growth is deep maroon. Its flowers are most often cream-white, and very rarely pale pink. The flowers are 2–4 cm in diameter, with five petals. After flowering, the plant produces distinctive globular rose hips that range in colour from dark purple to black. Similar plants native to regions further east in Asia were sometimes previously classified as Rosa pimpinellifolia var. subalpina, but are now recognised as the separate species Rosa oxyacantha according to the Flora of China. Rosa oxyacantha differs from Rosa spinosissima in having pink flowers and red hips. Rosa spinosissima is generally restricted to sand dunes or limestone pavements. When it does not grow on limestone, it typically has a coastal distribution. Many cultivars of Rosa spinosissima are grown in cultivation. Among these cultivars, 'Stanwell Perpetual' has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This cultivar produces very pale pink double flowers that fade to white as they age.
