Rosehips are the fruit that form on pollinated roses in late summer. Growing in clusters or as singles, hips come in various shapes, colours and sizes.
Rosa Kathleen, a hybrid musk rose, produces large clusters of single blush-pink blooms over the summer months and follows up at this time of year with delightful clusters of small orange hips.
Hybrid Rugosa roses produce round, bright red, cherry-like hips.
When we think of autumn colour, it's natural to associate it with trees but some roses, particularly hybrid Spinosissima and hybrid Rugosa roses, have a nice autumn toning to their leaves. Rosa Falkland has a stunning display of lovely fern-like leaves in shades of reds and purples. At the same time, dark purple, almost black, small rounded hips are not quite as showy but make a good contrast with autumn foliage.
So with the combination of the hips and leaves changing colour and a few flowers here and there, you can find some interest at this time of year in the rose garden.
Garden Life is produced by the Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Linda Hellyer.
