Rosa pendulina aka Mountain Rose

Rosa pendulina, the alpine rose, is a deciduous shrub. It belongs to Rosaceae, the rose family. Its native range runs from Europe to Kazakhstan. It grows in temperate regions but is not native to Britain or Ireland. In gardens, its flowers, stems and fruit provide interest across the seasons.

This rose forms a bushy shrub with spreading branches. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) tall and wide. The RHS also describes plants about 3.9 feet (1.2 metres) tall. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The arching stems have a red-purple tint and few thorns. Dark green leaves fall at the end of the growing season. Single flowers open in midsummer and have a light scent. Their deep pink petals surround a clear centre of yellow stamens. Plump red hips follow the blooms, with a long rather than round shape. Leave spent flowers on the plant if you want hips.

Choose a sheltered site in sun or partial shade. This rose needs fertile soil with plenty of humus. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. It can grow in chalk, clay, loam or sand. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil. The RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. This covers severe continental winters with temperatures below -4°F (-20°C). Add a mulch of well-rotted organic matter as winter ends or spring starts. Feed with a rose or shrub fertiliser in early spring and early summer.

The RHS suggests this rose for coastal and informal gardens. It also suits wildlife gardens, beds and borders. The flowers can be cut for indoor use. Grow new plants from cuttings, summer chip budding or seed. Softwood cuttings suit early to mid-spring; hardwood cuttings suit late summer to autumn. Seeds need a cold treatment and may take two seasons to sprout.

Several pests can cause damage, including aphids, leafhoppers, mites and scale insects. Caterpillars and several kinds of sawfly may also attack it. Deer and rabbits can damage plants too. Diseases include black spot, rust, powdery mildew, dieback and replant disease. Honey fungus may occur, as may flower balling and rose blindness. The RHS warns that people and pets should not eat the ornamental hips. It also advises gloves and other protection when handling this plant.