07/28/2026
Not every rose needs flowers to make an impression.
Rosa Kamtschatica keeps the show going long after the blooms are gone, covering itself in bright red hips that add color to the garden well into fall. That’s one of the things that makes this species so special.
Rose hips are the seed pods that develop after the flowers fade. Some gardeners remove them to encourage more blooms, while others leave them on because they add so much seasonal interest.
They’re also edible and are often used to make teas, jams, jellies, and syrups. If you’re harvesting them, wait until they’re fully red or orange and have softened a bit. If not, they’re just as enjoyable left on the plant or left for the birds to enjoy.
Would you leave the hips on or clip them off? What do you look for most in a rose: flowers, fragrance, or hips?
