Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: sweetbriar rose, eglantine rose

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Synonym: Rosa eglanteria

Distribution: Europe, Western Asia

Habitat: Open woodlands, forest edges

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)

Life form: Deciduous shrub/sub-shrub

Occurrence in New Mexico: Exotic

Growing Conditions: Eglantine rose is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. It has escaped gardens and naturalized along roadsides, in pastures and in open woodlands in many parts of North America. It grows and blooms best in organically rich, well-drained loam soil. It should be grown in full sun or with some protection from late afternoon intense sun. It tolerates poor soil and shade, but does not bloom as well. Mulching helps to retain moisture and keep roots cool. It needs a medium amount of water at regular intervals. This large, dense suckering shrub is often used as a hedge. It should be pruned in late winter as needed.

Description: The sweetbriar or eglantine rose has upright or arching (occasionally climbing) stems that grows 3-9 feet in length. It sometimes forms dense thickets. The stems are smooth when young, rough and woody with age, and have scattered recurved prickles up to ½ inch long. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 oval leaflets with sharply toothed margins. The plant is noted for its sweetly fragrant foliage. The fragrant flowers (up to 2 inches wide) are borne in loose clusters at the ends of the stems. They have 5 white or pink petals, numerous stamens, and stalks that are covered with sticky hairs. The oval hips (up to ¾ inch) turn orange or red when mature and mature into winter.