How to Grow Little Hips
Little Hips
Rosa canina cv. 'Little Hips'
shrubLittle Hips is a compact, ornamental rose shrub prized for its abundant small hips (fruit) that persist on the plant well into winter. This hardy cultivar produces delicate flowers followed by vibrant red or orange hips, making it attractive for both garden display and wildlife support. The dwarf growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces, borders, and container gardening.
When should you plant Little Hips in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Little Hips timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Little Hips
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Little Hips
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Little Hips dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7
Sign up free to see if Little Hips grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Little Hips timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose focuses on root development with minimal top growth
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist; avoid fertilizing first month; mulch with 2-3 inches of straw or shredded bark
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeks (spring through early summer)Plant develops bushy foliage, producing numerous canes and leaves; compact, mounding form becomes evident
Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly; deadhead spent flowers to encourage branching; prune lightly to shape
Hip Development & Ripening
8-12 weeks (late summer through fall)Flowers fade and hips form, gradually enlarging and changing color from green to vibrant red or orange
Stop deadheading to allow hip development; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruiting; maintain adequate water
Dormancy & Winter Persistence
12-16 weeks (late fall through early spring)Plant enters dormancy; hips remain on branches well into winter, providing ornamental interest and wildlife food
Apply dormant oil in late winter to prevent pest issues; prune dead wood in early spring; leave hips on plant for wildlife
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation through pruning; apply sulfur or neem oil spray; water at soil level, not foliage
-
Spray with insecticidal soap; strong water spray to dislodge; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
-
Increase humidity; mist foliage; apply neem oil or miticide if severe
-
Remove and destroy infected plants; control mite vectors with sulfur; no cure available
-
Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil
Uses
Rose Hip Tea & Beverages
CulinaryRose hips are rich in vitamin C and make a tart, tangy herbal tea. They can be dried whole or processed into syrups, jams, and fortified beverages. The hips have been used for centuries in Scandinavian and Eastern European cuisines. [source]
Immune Support & Joint Health
MedicinalRose hip preparations have been traditionally used to support immune function and reduce inflammation in arthritis. Scientific studies suggest compounds like galactolipids may help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis sufferers. [source]
Winter Bird & Pollinator Food
WildlifeThe abundant hips provide essential nutrition for birds and wildlife through winter months. The flowers attract bees and pollinators during blooming season, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
Natural Decorative Elements
HouseholdThe persistent, colorful hips make Little Hips an excellent ornamental shrub for fall and winter garden displays. The compact growth habit suits container gardening, borders, and small-space landscapes. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
CraftDried rose hips add texture and color to floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts. They maintain their vibrant color when properly dried and can be used in potpourri blends. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hips are ready to harvest when fully colored (typically deep red or orange) and slightly soft to touch, usually after the first frost in fall or early winter. Cut hips with pruners, leaving some on the plant for wildlife. For culinary use (tea, syrup), harvest when fully ripe. Hips can be used fresh or dried; they persist on branches for weeks, so harvesting can extend through winter until spring growth begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rose hips contain up to 20 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight, making them an exceptional natural immune booster when dried and brewed into tea.
- 🌱 Little Hips roses were bred to produce abundant fruit rather than continuous flowers, reflecting changing garden design trends toward wildlife-friendly, ornamental landscapes.
- 🌱 In Scotland and Scandinavia, rose hip syrup (called 'nyponsoppa' in Swedish) has been a traditional remedy for centuries and was even distributed to children during WWII as a vitamin supplement when citrus imports were unavailable.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Little Hips planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Little Hips seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Little Hips timeline →