Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Sweet Briar or Eglantine Rose is characterized by its lovely fragrant foliage and stem, which bear the scent of apples, especially noticeable after rain. Its leaves are pinnately divided into rounded, serrated leaflets that are a rich green on top and paler underneath. This shrub-like plant showcases stems studded with numerous small, sharp prickles that are sometimes mixed with bristles. The flowers of Sweet Briar are a treat for the eyes, typically light to bright pink with a subtle white center, and they usually grow alone or in small clusters. Each blossom generally has five petals and a characteristic rosette shape, emitting a gentle fragrance that is particularly alluring. The center of the flower features a cluster of yellow stamens, adding to its beauty. After pollination, the plant produces fruit known as hips, which are oval or pear-shaped and initially green, turning to an orange or red hue as they mature. These hips are not only decorative but are also rich in Vitamin C and can be used in various recipes and herbal teas. The texture of the hips is somewhat fleshy and they have a fine, hairy interior. Overall, the Sweet Briar presents a bushy appearance and is well-known for its charming scent and attractive, traditional rose flowers that delight both gardeners and wildlife, such as bees and birds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Briar, Sweetbriar Rose, Eglantine, Sweet Brier, Eglantine Rose.
Common names
Rosa eglanteria, Rosa eglanteria var. eglanteria, Rosa rubiginosa var. eglanteria, Rosa micrantha, Rosa micrantha var. eglanteria, Rosa micrantha var. micrantha.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet briar is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning and is generally regarded as safe. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting sweet briar.
To pets
Sweet briar is also not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely that pets, such as dogs and cats, would suffer from poisoning upon ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with sweet briar toxicity in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape enhancement: The plant, commonly known as Sweet Briar, adds aesthetic value to gardens with its beautiful pink blooms and bushy appearance.
- Fragrance: Sweet Briar has a pleasant apple-like fragrance, especially noticeable from its leaves, making it a popular choice for sensory gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense, thorny growth provides excellent cover for birds and small mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Hedging and barriers: Due to its thorny stems, Sweet Briar can be used as a natural barrier or hedge to deter unwanted foot traffic and grazing animals.
- Erosion control: The plant’s extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Crafting and decoration: Its hips (fruit) and flowers can be used in crafting, such as making floral arrangements or potpourris.
- Culinary use: The fruit (hips) of Sweet Briar is edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and teas, although not as commonly as the fruit of Rosa canina, the dog rose.
Medical Properties- High in Vitamin C: Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar) hips are known to have a high vitamin C content, which may contribute to immune system support.
- Skin healing: Oil extracted from the seeds contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which can be used topically for skin hydration and may assist in healing scars, including those from acne and minor burns.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds in Rosa rubiginosa may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis, although more research is needed to confirm this use.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa rubiginosa seeds can be pressed to extract an oil used for high-quality wood finishes, offering protection and a beautiful sheen.
- The petals can be added to potpourris or sachets for natural fragrance, often used to scent drawers and closets.
- Its hips (the fruit of the rose) are often used in craftwork, such as bead making, due to their hardiness and shape.
- As a natural dye, the petals and hips can create varying shades of pink to orange, depending on the mordant used.
- In photography, the extract from the petals can be used in cyanotype printing, a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print.
- When dried and crushed, the petals can be used as a natural blush or added to homemade cosmetics for color.
- The essential oil from Rosa rubiginosa is sometimes used in perfumery, to impart floral scents to fragrances.
- The thorns of Rosa rubiginosa can be used in miniature crafting, such as for natural fencing in model making.
- The plant's dense and thorny habitus can be incorporated into living fences or barriers for livestock or property lines.
- Rosa rubiginosa branches can be used in wreath making or as rustic decorative elements in floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweet Briar Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweet Briar Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa rubiginosa often represents love and passion, a classic symbol found in many cultures.
- Beauty: Roses are widely appreciated for their beauty, and Rosa rubiginosa is no exception, symbolizing natural and understated elegance.
- Healing: With its traditional use in herbal medicine, this rose variety is associated with healing and comfort.
- Secrets: The plant’s subtle fragrance that intensifies with the evening air is linked to the symbolism of secrets and confidentiality.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of roses signifies new beginnings and the start of something fresh and beautiful.
- Balance: The thorns and soft petals of Rosa rubiginosa represent balance in life, acknowledging both its hardships and pleasures.
WaterSweet Briar or Eglantine Rose should be watered deeply but not too frequently to encourage deep root growth. Typically, in the absence of rainfall, watering once a week with about 1.5 gallons of water per plant should suffice. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. The aim is to keep the soil evenly moist, not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water directly at the base of the plant.
LightSweet Briar enjoys full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. The best spot for this Rose would be an area that is free from shadows for the majority of the day, ensuring it receives plenty of bright light.
TemperatureSweet Briar Roses thrive in a wide range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. They can endure minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F, while the maximum temperature should not exceed 90°F for extended periods for plant health.
PruningPruning Sweet Briar Roses helps to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation within the plant. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak canes and opening up the plant's center. They can also be pruned after flowering to tidy the plant and promote a second flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sweet Briar Rose thrives in well-drained loam with soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A recommended soil mix for Sweet Briar Rose includes one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
RepottingSweet Briar Roses are typically planted directly in the ground and don't require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in early spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingSweet Briar Rose prefers moderate humidity levels; it does not require special humidity conditions when planted outdoor, as it tolerates the natural range of humidity found in its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light, prune regularly, pot in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleRosa rubiginosa, commonly known as Sweet Briar or Eglantine Rose, begins its life cycle as a seed, often introduced into a new area through the dispersal by birds who eat the hips and spread the seeds. The seed germinates in the spring if scarified and exposed to cool temperatures, initiating the growth of the root system and a shoot that pushes through the soil surface. As a young plant, it develops a thorny stem and pinnate leaves with a distinctive apple-like fragrance, particularly when wet. Following a period of vegetative growth, it matures and begins to flower in late spring to summer, producing fragrant pink or white flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the plant produces the characteristic red-orange hips (fruits), which contain the seeds and can persist on the plant through winter. The plant then enters dormancy during cold weather, resuming growth and completing another reproductive cycle when conditions are favorable in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Sweet briar, or Rosa rubiginosa, is a plant often propagated during its dormant period, which occurs in late winter or early spring. The most popular propagation method for this species is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy, disease-free part of the plant that has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened, typically around mid-summer to early fall. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) is snipped at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where roots and new shoots can develop. The pot is kept under a plastic cover or in a propagator to maintain humidity until the cutting has rooted, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions before planting out in its final position.
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