Rosa arvensis - Field Rose

Rosa arvensis, the field or wild rose, is a European botanical rose naturally found in woods and hedges. It is a once-flowering species that is nevertheless charming and robust. It only blooms once in summer, but its lovely white hips are pleasantly scented and open abundantly in clusters. Its red fruits will delight the birds. Place this rose in full sun or partial shade, in a rustic setting, as a mass planting or ground cover. It will thrive without care once established.

The Rosa arvensis, from the Rosaceae family, is widespread from Western Europe to Turkey. This species is sometimes called the creeping rose due to its low and wide habit and ability to layer spontaneously. At maturity, it forms a bushy shrub about 75 cm (30in) tall and at least 1 m (3ft) wide. The branches, initially purple-red and then dark green, bear large, slightly curved thorns. Trailing, they easily root upon contact with the ground, allowing the bush to spread in width. The deciduous leaves are divided into 5 to 7 slightly hairy, dark green, toothed leaflets. They fall in autumn. Flowering occurs in early summer. It forms pyramidal clusters called corymbs, composed of several flowers measuring 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. Each flower, shaped like a flattened cup, comprises 5 slightly lobed ivory-white petals. In the centre of the flower are yellow stamens surrounding a prominent column composed of fused styles. The fruits are more or less spherical, edible, and turn red when ripe.

The wild rose is an undemanding plant in terms of soil, very hardy, perfectly suited to all our regions. This species is appreciated as a honey plant and a bird food source. You can use it naturally, as a ground cover, above a wall, at the front of a shrub bed, or even in a free hedge. For example, associate it with other botanical or old roses, flowering shrubs such as Deutzia or mock oranges, Amelanchier ovalis, a purple Zellernoot hazel.