Rosa rubrifolia glauca - Red Leaved Rose

A strikingly beautiful shrub, Rosa rglauca is a medium-sized to large, vigorous, deciduous shrub with an arching, bushy habit and few thorns. The divided leaves are a lovely blue-grey, flushed with purple. Small, rich pink, single flowers with a pale eye and golden stamens are borne from June to August; these are only lightly scented, but are good for pollinators. The sepals extend beyond the petals in a very attractive way. Round, red hips follow in autumn – birds love them. A trouble-free rose, it will also tolerate poor soils. Once known as Rosa rubrifolia, Rosa glauca is lovely at the back of a border, in a shrub planting or as part of an informal hedge.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, preferably moist and humus-rich
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 6’6” (2m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m)