Question
QUESTION: i would love a wild rose (alba) as an interesting hedge but can you recommend
one that only reaches about 1 metre high, say 3 foot 8 inches? which is the
height of the surrounding wall pillars? otherwise can you recommend any other
interesting roses or perennials to fill the space?


ANSWER: Most Albas, if happy, get tall but there are a couple which make a more sturdier looking shrub and can be kept under control with electric hedge trimmers.
Amour is a good one with flowers that are flesh pink.
Armide has white flowers with rose pink buds slightly thinner canes than Belle Amour.
Konigin von Danemark has rose pink flowers
Madame Plantier is another good one but can get tall. The beauty of this Alba is that it has loads of white flowers and rose pink buds.
If you want a no through hedge you will have to cut back the new plants for three springs to make sure the base is thick. The first spring when you plant them, take a deep breath and cut them right back to three inches. The next spring back to 24 inches and finally cut back by a third. Then every spring take the hedge trimmers right across the tops.By the way, the secret of getting a neat trim (roses have chewy type canes and will split) is to stand firm and slowly pass the trimmers over the roses.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thankyou for your reply
hedge nursery in the uk suggested 'ROSA nitida Kebu'
this is a wild rose but grows to only 1 m high.
this may suit us, it's only a small to medium sized garden. do you know
anything about them?
philip

Answer

rosa nitida Kebu   Rosa nitida Kebu has the most vicious and nastiest thorns on the canes. I will try and post a photo for you. It will certainly keep out and deter anything that lives. Personally I would not want to look after it. All you would get for your efforts would be deep scratches from the mass of thorns.
Sorry. Photo didn't go so here is the webpage with the picture on it.
http://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.46858&tab=1