Introducing...
Ground-cover roses
These sprawling shrubs are ideal on a bank, in a rock garden or towards the front of a border. They are an attractive option for covering bare ground between other plants.
Looks
They form low, billowing carpets of usually single flowers, produced all along the flexible stems. They either repeat flower or produce attractive red hips in autumn.
Likes
Give them a sunny position in soil that drains easily. They will fare reasonably well in poor soil and are very tolerant of exposed sites.
Dislikes
Avoid waterlogged soil and shady spots.
Did you know?
For seamless cover, peg stems to the ground with bent wire. These roses are great for attracting wildlife – birds feed on the autumn hips and the low branches provide shelter for many small creatures.
Growing guide
How to grow roses
All the information you'll need to grow & care for roses in your garden.
Useful advice
Rose problems: frequently asked questions
Rose pruning: groundcover roses
Steep banks and slopes
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.