Roses for wildlife: nine varieties that are helpful to the birds and bees
Create a contemporary style and at the same time provide a haven for wildlife by planting single and semi-double roses right now, says Hazel Sillver
ENJOY the beauty and scent of roses, as well as the sight of bees, butterflies, and birds, by growing wildlife-friendly varieties. These garden gems provide pollinators with nectar in summer, while many also supply birds with nutritious red hips in the autumn.
The roses to go for are those with single or semidouble flowers because their nectar and pollen are on show and therefore accessible. The golden rule is: if you can’t see the golden stamens, then pollinators (such as bees) probably can’t access it easily.
One of the best-known examples is the good old dog rose (Rosa canina), which blooms in our hedgerows in summer. Its single, pale-pink flowers have a central boss of golden stamens that lure butterflies, bees and hoverflies. One of its common names is ‘bird briar’ because it provides sprays of hips throughout the autumn. Along with beautifully-scented eglantine (R. rubiginosa), it makes a fine rose to weave through a mixed garden hedge.
Best for borders
Wildlife-friendly roses more suited to borders include the lovely blush-white ‘Jacqueline du Pré’ and the cheering, multi-striped Rosa mundi (R.gallica ‘Versicolor’). Garden designers now use such single and semidouble varieties to create a contemporary look. The simpler, more natural shape of the flowers, compared to traditional doubles (such as classic Hybrid Teas), injects the border with a refreshing, modern air. Some of the best singles bred in recent years include ‘Tottering-by-Gently’ (yellow) and ‘Jam-a-licious’ (magenta), which is small enough to grow in a container. Others recommended for pots include the cerise ‘Portland’ rose and ‘Sweet Haze’, which has excellent diseaseresistance and is reminiscent of the dog rose.
Nectar-rich
Many nectar-rich roses perform for wildlife in more than one season, also providing autumn hips for birds. For instance, rugosas (such as ‘Scabrosa’) have fruit that resembles cherry tomatoes, and the large shrub rose ’Geranium’ is a mass of stunning scarlet flowers in summer and huge flagon-shaped red hips in autumn. Plant these roses now, and look forward to colour, scent, and a garden full of wildlife in the