Roses for Hips

Rose hips are the vibrant, berry-like fruits that appear on some rose varieties after the flowers have faded. As well as adding seasonal interest to the garden in autumn and winter, they are also loved by wildlife, especially birds. All true species (or wild) roses will produce good crops of hips, as well as a number of other roses with single flowers. Many roses produce beautifully coloured hips, which are highly decorative and can be used in flower arrangements

Buy the best roses for hips online with David Austin

Discover our selection of the best roses for hips, chosen for their generous displays of colourful autumn fruit. These varieties not only provide beautiful blooms through summer but also reward you with striking hips that bring interest and wildlife to the garden long after the petals have fallen.

Some of our favourite roses for hips are Sir David Beckham, The King's Rose and The Lark Ascending.

What are rose hips?

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant, forming after the flowers have been pollinated. Typically red, orange, or even purple, they appear in late summer to autumn and resemble small berries. As well as being ornamental, they’re also rich in vitamin C and have been used in traditional herbal remedies and recipes.

What do rose hips do?

Rose hips add a burst of colour and structure to the garden in autumn and winter, extending the interest of your roses beyond the flowering season. They attract and feed wildlife, particularly birds, and can be harvested for use in jams, jellies, teas, and syrups.

When to harvest rose hips

Rose hips are best harvested after the first light frost of autumn, which softens them slightly and enhances their sweetness. They should be firm but give a little when gently squeezed. Use clean secateurs to snip them off the plant, and always wear gloves to protect yourself from thorns.

How do I encourage my rose to produce rose hips?

If you’d like to enjoy a display of hips in autumn, allow rose blooms to fade naturally, rather than deadheading spent blooms, which encourages the hips to form.

Are rose hips poisonous?

No, rose hips are not poisonous. In fact, they’re edible and packed with nutrients. However, the fine hairs inside the hips can be irritating if ingested, so it's important to remove the seeds and fibres before using them in food or drink.

Do all roses have rose hips?

No, not all roses produce prominent or attractive hips. Many modern hybrid roses are bred primarily for repeat flowering and may produce few or no hips. For example, ‘Dannahue’ is a David Austin rose that reliably produces large clusters of decorative hips. On the other hand, ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, while known for its exceptional scent and repeat flowering, rarely forms hips.

Do birds eat rose hips?

Yes, birds love rose hips, especially species like blackbirds, thrushes, and finches. The hips provide a valuable source of food in autumn and winter when other natural resources are scarce, making them a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.