Sweetbrier

The Sweetbrier or Eglantine rose (Rosa eglanteria, syn. R. rubiginosa) forms an arching shrub 2-3 m high and across. It is native to Britain and northern Europe. In addition to its beautiful pink flowers, it is valued for the strong apple-like fragrance of its foliage, and the hips that form after the flowers and persist well into the winter. The stems are armed with many sharp, hooked thorns. Graham Thomas recommends that it should be planted on the south or west side of the garden so that the fragrance will be brought into the garden on warm, moist winds.