Rosa sericea is another from China and Northern India with rather prickly arching stems, fern-like foliage and pretty white flowers. It is the only rose that produces flowers with just four petals, with each bloom being around 3-4cms in diameter.
It is noted for its prickly stems which can become 'winged' in shape. It also produces large hips after the flowers that are conspicuously red, making for extra garden interest. Though beware of ingesting them as they contain fine hairs beneath the flesh that can cause irritation of the digestive tract.
Due to its thorny nature, Rosa sericea makes an excellent barrier or hedge and goes particularly well when draped across low stone walls.
The flowers, that can have a pink blush to them, attract bees to your garden and work well when cut and added to floral arrangements.