Rosa pimpinellifolia

Rosa pimpinellifolia (synonym Rosa spinosissima), also known as the burnet rose, is a truly charming botanical species that is highly undemanding and valuable for landscaping poor and sandy terrains that other roses dislike. It grows as a bushy, very thorny plant, adorned with burnet-like foliage. The impenetrable thicket it forms is adorned throughout the summer with small cream-white burnet roses, sometimes washed with pale pink, followed by small black fruits when ripe. This rose will be remarkable in a defensive hedge. Tolerating harsh winters, its only requirement is to be planted in well-draining soil, even if it is chalky and dry.

The Rosa pimpinellifolia, from the Rosaceae family, is native to Western Europe and North Africa. Scotland has made this species its emblem, after the thistle. In Europe, it can be found in woods, thickets, and hedges, on cliffs, in dry places, and often on very chalky soil. Not grafted, the bush tends to produce suckers and colonize the space. It often has a wider-than-tall habit, so that it forms a very dense bush that is 90 cm (35in) tall and over 1m (3ft) wide at maturity. Under favourable conditions, it can reach or even exceed 1.5m (5ft) in all directions. The branches are covered with numerous straight prickles mixed with stiff hairs. The young stems and prickles are very red, then turn deep brown. The deciduous foliage is strongly divided into 5 to 13 leaflets with finely toothed edges. Light green in summer, it turns yellow with bronze hues in autumn before falling. Sometimes the leaves may develop dark, reddish spots. This is believed to be a characteristic of the species, caused by atmospheric conditions, which has no impact on the plant's health. Flowering begins in May-June and continues until the end of July. The numerous solitary flowers are adorable small burnet roses measuring 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. They are generally cream-white, sometimes delicately tinted with pale pink. Their centre is occupied by a bouquet of golden stamens. After pollination, numerous spherical fruits form, which turn from red to blackish-purple when ripe.

The passion for botanical roses and their direct hybrids is fully justified, especially in poor soils or under difficult climates: these roses are not only the parents of our modern roses but are generally more robust and very reliable. The burnet rose is a truly undemanding bush that will seduce, despite its many thorns. It will be useful in a natural or defensive hedge, as it forms a thorny mass that is difficult to cross. Its location should be carefully chosen, in full sun and in soil that does not retain moisture. It is beautiful in a wild garden, with other botanical roses (Rosa rugosa, Rosa hugonis), mock oranges, bluebeards, and shrubby cinquefoils that will take over.