IN THE GARDEN

Wild roses can bring a riot of spontaneous colour to the garden. They are popular as hedging, especially when brightening up a mixed hedge. They can also be used as boundary lines and windbreaks or to create a living archway when growing over an arbour. With many hybrid forms on offer, there is a huge choice of colours, shapes and markings. Often catalogued as species roses, wild roses can be planted from the bare root in winter, when they are dormant. This is less stressful for them, and they will become established more quickly. Hardy plants, they can withstand windy conditions and partial shade, but will thrive in full sun. They can be planted in almost any soil, as long as it is well drained. The burnet rose in particular copes well with fine, sandy soil. Flowering will be improved with the use of a fertiliser, and mulch should be applied in late winter or early spring. Wild roses require little pruning, but any old wood should be removed while clipping, to maintain shape. They should never be deadheaded, as the hip will be lost and, with it, flashes of colour once summer is over.