Vigorous and repeat-flowering. Can be used as a part of a mixed border, as a hedge or as a apart of a wild garden. Vivid green wrinkled (rugose) leaves turn a butter colour in the autumn and the hips are the source of much excitement amongst various finches and other small seed-eating birds.

Height and spread: 2m x 2m (6ft x 6ft), rather open growth, good security barrier, not so good visual barrier (easy to see through)

• Position: full sun or partial shade

• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil, but not very fussy.

• Rate of growth: fast-growing

• Flowering period: July to September

• Flower colour: purple / pink /red - or white (the alba variety)

• Other features: excellent cut-flowers, incredibly prickly stems, a good security plant

• Hardiness: fully hardy

• Garden care: Before planting shorten thick roots to 25cm (10in) and reduce top-growth to an outward-facing bud 8-15cm (3-6in) above ground-level.