Rosa rubrifolia (Shrub/Red Leaved Rose) seeds

Distinctive Rose species due to its striking foliage which emerges coppery-purple, matures to blue-grey then fades to subtle red shades in autumn. In summer, it is smothered in light pink flowers with yellow stamens which give way to dark red hips. Very resistant to disease. Lovely as part of a mixed hedge or at the back of the border. Can also be trained as a standard or as a climbing rose over an arch. Very good for use as a Bonsai.

Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Hardy Shrub
Height: 2m, Spread 1.5m
Flowers: June to July
Position: Sun to dappled shade in any soil

Packet of 40 seeds

RHS Award of Garden Merit

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. For more information on RHS award of Garden Merit plants visit rhs.org.uk/plants

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year. Sow very thinly in trays or pots of moist seed compost mixed with a little vermiculite and just cover the seeds with vermiculite. Seal inside a polythene bag and place the container in the fridge for 12 weeks.

[If sowing a large quantity, mix seeds with the compost/vermiculite and place in a resealable bag in the fridge, then sow into trays or directly outdoors in a nursery bed.]

Then move to a temperature of about 14-16C and germination should take place in 1 to 6 months. Throughout this process check regularly and ensure the compost does not dry out. Note: Germination can be very erratic, so sow thinly and prick out the seedlings as they become large enough to handle disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Alternatively, sow as above and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden in autumn and let nature take its course – germination will begin in spring. Remember to protect pots from wildlife! I personally find this a very reliable and easy way to germinate seeds.

Growing Instructions:
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots and grow on in plenty of light but shaded from direct sun. Harden off plants (move plants outdoors during the day and back in at night for 10 days) and plant out when large enough in a sunny spot with moist soil (dislikes very wet soil).