No, I'm not wishy-washy! I'm just recommending this when it comes to roses if - and this is a big IF - you would like to collect rose hips. If you take vitamins, you're probably somewhat familiar with rose hips vitamins. The natural form of rose hips form below the flowers and ripen into bright red, shiny fruits if you allow the old rose flower to die on the stem.
Rose hips contain pulp and seeds that are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, B complex, C, E, K. The rose hips also contain acids and pectin that make them mildly laxative and diuretic. Why buy rose hip vitamins when you can grow your own simply be being a little lazy and not remove spent rose flowers?
Rose hips are easily collected off rose bushes in fall before frost arrives and after you quit deadheading flowers. Collect and wash the hips, trimming off stems and blossom ends. Then, freeze the hips immediately or dry in a dehydrator or oven. To use hips fresh, simply simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes until they are soft and pulpy. The pulp should then be pressed through a strainer to remove any seeds.
You can use the hips in many ways. They can be used in recipes for jams and breads, added to soups and salads, or used as garnishes. Hips can also be added to teas for a tart flavoring.
While you're allowing your rose flowers to wither and die on the stem, consider collecting the petals for potpourri as well. The petals can be layed out on paper towels and allowed to dry away from direct sunlight. Besides potpoutti, rose petals are also edible. They can be tossed into salads, added to breads or used as garnishes.
Please note that no toxicity is associated with rose hips or petals. However, excessive consumption may cause diarrhea due to their laxative effects.
Finally, keep your roses blooming through the fall by regularly watering and fertilizing. We're lucky in the fact that we have such a long growing season. Often, some of our nicest weather comes in the fall. With the correct care, it's not unusual to have roses blooming until Thanksgiving and even Christmas.
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