Rosa pimpinellifolia - Burnet Rose

The native burnet rose, Rosa pimpinellifolia, is usually found on acidic, sandy, coastal dunes, but is so adaptable that it can even be found on inland limestone pavements. A low-growing, deciduous rose of dense, spreading habit, it makes good ground cover on a sunny bank or in a rock garden, or in a native planting, where the soil is suitable. It has attractive, deep green, rather fern-like leaves and straight thorns; the whole plant is bristly. From June to August the burnet rose carries single, creamy-white flowers with golden stamens; the flowers are followed by round, purplish-black hips. The flowers and hips are good for wild-life.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil; acidic, light soils preferred
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer and autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3’ (90cm) Spread: 4’ (1.2m)