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The difference between a rose and a rose hip is a topical issue for many gardeners. Determining the species of a plant can be extremely difficult due to the large number of similarities. It often happens that one bush is planted on the site, but another grows. In order not to face such a situation, you need to figure out how to distinguish these plants.
Rose hips and rose similarities
Both shrubs belong to the same family and genus. In botanical classifiers, they are classified as pink, which is explained by the many similarities in structure and vegetation cycle.
Most of the varieties grown by gardeners are obtained through breeding and are hybrids. Wild varieties are extremely rare. They are practically not used for decorative purposes.
When comparing roses and rose hips, the following similarities are distinguished:
- highly branched structure of bushes;
- a large number of erect shoots;
- there are sharp thorns on the stems;
- unpaired long leaves with jagged edges;
- powerful root system, lying at a depth of 50-60 cm;
- a similar structure of flowers.
Plants are equally demanding on sunlight
Both shrubs can be climbing and standard, depending on the intensity of stem growth. Some species reach a height of 3 m. They need regular watering, do not react well to drought and do not tolerate stagnant liquid in the roots.
Most varieties are characterized by high resistance to cold. Also, these plants show low susceptibility to infections. Similar properties are typical for hybrid varieties of roses. However, most of the species cultivated by gardeners are considered sensitive, demanding and very whimsical.
What is the difference between a rose and a rose hip
The main difference between ornamental crops is the different growing technology. They also have many distinctive characteristics in their structure. Differences between shrub flowers are considered to be a particularly valuable criterion.
The difference between plants can be very difficult to see even on close inspection. A rose and a rosehip cannot be regarded as one and the same. These cultures have many differences, but they can only be distinguished by experienced gardeners and botanists. Therefore, beginners are advised to familiarize themselves with several ways that help determine the species of a shrub.
How to distinguish a rose from a rose hip by leaves
The advantage of this method is that it is available throughout the growing season. When the plant is not in bloom, it can be very difficult to identify the rose hip or the rose is growing in the area.
At first glance, the leaves of both crops are very similar. They have similar serrations and shapes. Upon closer inspection, you can notice the difference and distinguish between shrubs.
When comparing, take into account the following aspects:
- leaves on roses are larger, they are dull;
- the color of the leaf plates is dark green;
- the shape and size does not change depending on the location on the shoots;
- the number of stipules on the bushes is from 3 to 5;
- on the rose hips, the leaves are glossy, small;
- venation is insignificant;
- the number of stipules is 7, regardless of the variety;
- the color is most often light.
On roses, stipules are not covered with thorns. However, they are prone to early discoloration and wilting. In the dog rose, this area is covered with small processes. The difference between the shrubs is indicated by the degree of venation.
How to distinguish a rose shoot from a rosehip shoot
Despite a number of similarities in the structure of the bush, cultivated plants can be distinguished by their stems. On bush varieties, they are erect, green.
Most roses are erect. The stems need a garter only during the flowering period, due to the risk of breaking under the weight of the buds. On the rose hips, the shoots are erect only in the early stages of the growing season. In the future, they require a garter and support, otherwise the stems will droop to the ground.
Because of these features, it can be very difficult to distinguish a rose hip from a climbing rose. Both species have long, fast growing shoots. In these cases, you need to pay attention to their color.
Rosehip shoots are not subject to complete lignification
The stems of the shrubs retain their characteristic brown color throughout the season. It can only change if the plant dries out due to a prolonged lack of watering.
Difference between shoots:
How to distinguish by thorns
The presence of thorns can greatly help in determining the species of the shrub. To distinguish a rose bush from a rose hip, you need to carefully examine the shoots. It is best to wear protective gloves to avoid damaging the skin.
On roses, thorns are large, but rare
The thorns on the dog rose are small, but there are a lot of them.
To discover the similarities and differences between rose hips and roses, it is not enough to look at the plants before they bloom. The easiest way to determine the belonging of the bushes after the opening of the buds.
What is the difference during flowering
First of all, you need to take into account the timing of budding. It is impossible to distinguish a rose from a rose hip from a photo during flowering, since for this it is necessary to determine the period when the plant blooms. It is different for different varieties.
Rosehip begins to bloom earlier. This usually happens in early or mid-May.
Rosehip bloom is short-term - up to 20 days
Rose buds usually bloom in June. Moreover, the period of their flowering is much longer. This is one of the main criteria by which the described shrubs can be distinguished. On some varieties, the buds open twice a season. Certain species are characterized by continuous flowering throughout the summer.
There are a number of differences between the structure of the buds:
- On roses, flowers are large. The diameter of the opened buds in some varieties reaches 12-14 cm. They have a cup-shaped or hemispherical shape. The color of the flowers varies depending on the variety. There are densely doubled species.Their flowers consist of a large number of petals - up to 80.
- There are fewer buds on the dog rose, and their diameter is up to 8 cm. Larger ones are rare. Most varieties are characterized by a simple structure of flowers. They consist of 5-6 lilac-white petals and a yellow core.
Among the similarities and differences between roses and rose hips, one more feature should be highlighted. On the shoots of almost all species of the latter, orange or red fruits are formed. In roses, they are found only on wild-growing varieties. They ripen from mid-August to early September, which makes it possible to distinguish between shrubs.
Conclusion
Differences between rose and rosehip can be found on all parts of the plant. Despite a number of similarities, these are dissimilar crops that require different growing conditions. Shrubs can be distinguished by the structure of the shoots, flowers, the number of thorns and the size of the leaves.
