Edible native roses for meadows and hedges

Smooth Rose

Rosa blanda

Product code : AKENE-0045

Native shrub with delicate pink flowers and edible rose hips for ecological gardens.
6 99 $
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
About 20 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
3 to 8

Discover the plant

Common nameSmooth Rose
FamilyRosaceae
GenusRosa
Speciesblanda
TypeShrub
Botanical nameRosa blanda
Reproducible seedsYes

Smooth Rose (Rosa blanda) is an elegant native shrub known for its delicate pink flowers, green deciduous foliage, and graceful natural habit. From June to August, its fragrant blooms brighten gardens while attracting bees, butterflies, and many pollinating insects. Unlike many wild roses, this species has very few thorns, making it easier to integrate into frequently used spaces. Its red rose hips extend seasonal interest into autumn and provide important ecological value for wildlife.

Smooth Rose (Rosa blanda) prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and light, well-drained sandy or rocky soils. Throughout Quebec and Canada, it adapts well to natural hedges, pollinator gardens, and ecological landscapes. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions and requires little maintenance. A light application of compost in spring is usually enough to support healthy growth. Its exceptional hardiness allows it to return reliably year after year in cold climates.

Smooth Rose (Rosa blanda) is ideal for ecological gardens, native plantings, and wildlife-friendly hedges. Its edible rose hips can be harvested in autumn for teas, jellies, syrups, and traditional recipes. The fruits also provide food for birds and small wildlife during the colder months. Combined with serviceberry, wild bergamot, goldenrod, and bush honeysuckle, it creates a landscape rich in successive blooms, seasonal interest, and biodiversity.

Rosier inerme en fleurs, rosier indigène aux fleurs roses.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

9 mm (0.35 in)

Spacing / density

1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 ft)

Germination temperature

20 to 22 °C

Germination time

60 to 180 days after prolonged stratification

Sowing period

Fall or spring after scarification and double stratification

Propagation

Seeds after scarification and double stratification, suckers, or cuttings.

Cold stratification

Yes

Growing method

Sow seeds in autumn or spring after scarification followed by double cold stratification to overcome natural dormancy. Plant the seeds about 9 mm (0.35 in) deep in a light, well-drained growing medium and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Germination is often slow and irregular, requiring patience. Young plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and in poor to moderately fertile soils, especially sandy or rocky sites. Once established, Smooth Wild Rose develops into a beautiful native shrub that supports biodiversity and requires little maintenance.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Minimum temperature

-40 °C (-40 °F)

Care level

Low

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Moderate during establishment

Soil type

Well-drained sandy or rocky soil

Fertilization

Light compost in spring

Moisture

Low to medium; well-drained soil

Seasonal care

Remove dead branches, perform light pruning, and preserve fruits for wildlife.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal)
Smooth Wild Rose can be grown in a deep container of at least 40 L (10 gal) that allows ample root development. Use a well-drained growing medium enriched with compost and coarse sand or gravel to mimic its natural habitat. Water regularly during establishment, then less frequently as the shrub becomes established. Container growing makes it possible to enjoy its fragrant flowers and decorative rose hips on patios and in smaller gardens.
Rosier inerme en fleurs, rosier indigène aux fleurs roses.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

2 m

Width / spread

2 m

Flower color

Pale pink to bright pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Shrubby, upright, and suckering

Fragrance

Lightly fragrant flowers

Bloom period

June to August

Fruiting

Red rose hips in autumn

Harvest

September to November
Rosier inerme en fleurs, rosier indigène aux fleurs roses.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Serviceberry, wild bergamot, goldenrod, bush honeysuckle

Plants to avoid

Blue flag iris, marsh marigold, ligularia, horsetail

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Rose hips and petals from untreated plants
The rose hips of Smooth Wild Rose are edible when fully ripe in autumn. They are commonly used to prepare herbal teas, jellies, syrups, and other traditional recipes rich in vitamin C. The flower petals may also be used as edible garnishes or in specialty recipes. Beyond its culinary value, this native shrub has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is an excellent addition to edible native gardens.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Smooth Rose be sown?
Smooth Wild Rose seeds are generally sown in autumn or spring after scarification and double cold stratification. These treatments mimic natural conditions and greatly improve germination.
Are the fruits edible?
Yes. The rose hips are edible, rich in vitamin C, and can be used to prepare herbal teas, jellies, syrups, and many traditional recipes.
Why choose Smooth Rose for an ecological garden?
Its abundant flowers support a wide diversity of pollinators, while its rose hips feed birds and small wildlife in autumn, making it an excellent shrub for biodiversity.
Can it be used in a natural hedge?
Yes. Its naturally dense habit and ability to spread by suckers make it an excellent choice for wildlife hedgerows and naturalization projects.
Is it truly thornless?
Yes. Compared with most native wild roses, Rosa blanda has very few thorns, making it easier to maintain and more suitable for family gardens.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Attracts birds

Yes

Native plant

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Bees and pollinators