How to remove Japanese rose

This article has been reviewed by our invasive weeds expert:

Darren Greatbatch, Specialist Advisory Manager, Amenity & Invasive Weeds, at Environment Controls.
Last reviewed on 16th September 2025.

In this blog we answer some of your most common queries about Japanese rose, and explain how to remove Japanese rose.

Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) is a striking shrub that can be found in your garden and in wild areas across the UK but it also brings plenty of questions from gardeners, foragers, landowners, and conservationists alike. In the UK, it is listed under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to allow the plant to spread to neighbouring properties or into the wild. If left unmanaged, Japanese rose can quickly expand via suckering roots and dense shoots, making early control important to limit spread.

Here, we answer some of your most common queries about this plant, including that all-important one “How to remove Japanese rose” – helping to highlight the important issues around its spread and control.

How big does Japanese rose grow?

In a typical season, growth can reach around 0.3 to 0.75 meters (1 to 2.5 feet) depending on site conditions such as soil moisture and sunlight. It can reach full mature size in 2 to 5 years.

Is Japanese rose invasive in the UK?

Yes – Rosa rugosa is classed as an invasive plant in many parts of the UK. It spreads rapidly, especially on coastal dunes and disturbed ground, just like Japanese knotweed and other rhizomatous plants, it forms dense thickets that can suppress native plants and impact biodiversity and sensitive habitats.

The UK counties reporting Japanese rose as invasive most frequently include:

Merseyside: Especially the Sefton Coast, where it has invaded sand dunes over an area of nearly 6 hectares.
Lancashire: Including areas with younger calcareous dunes that are close to human habitation.
Coastal regions across England and Wales: Japanese rose is fairly common throughout England and frequently found along many coastal habitats in Wales as well.
Northern Ireland: Coastal and wild areas report significant presence.
South Ayrshire, Scotland: Areas such as Foreland, Ballantrae have problem areas of infestation.

How can you identify Japanese rose?

A key identification characteristic of Japanese rose is its thick, very wrinkled leaves, densely packed spiny stems, fragrant pink or white flowers, and large red hips. It’s easily distinguished from native wild roses (such as dog rose) by its dense build and multiple clusters of hips late in the season.

What are the legal considerations?

Due to its invasive nature, Japanese rose is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is an offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild in the UK, and landowners are responsible for preventing its spread to natural environments. Disposing of plant material also requires following guidelines for controlled waste.

Is Japanese rose harmful to people or animals?

Despite not being toxic, it does have characteristics that threaten the environment. Its thorny stems for instance can create a barrier in gardens or wild areas, and its vigorous growth can choke other plants and alter ecosystems which creates problems for other species.

Can Japanese rose be confused with other plants?

Yes, especially with Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), which is also (confusingly) sometimes called “Japanese rose” but that is a very different species having bright yellow pom-pom shaped flowers.

Control is challenging! Mechanical removal (excavation) is effective as long as all root parts are removed, as the plant regenerates from fragments. Chemical treatments are sometimes used on larger infestations, though repeated applications and careful monitoring are required. Coastal and dune sites need a considered approach to avoid damaging sensitive habitats, plus a special license for contractors to work near water.

Is Japanese rose edible?

Yes, selected parts of Japanese rose are edible. The petals can be used in teas and desserts, while the large red hips, which are high in vitamin C are popular for making jams and syrups. But be aware that the seeds inside the rose hips should NOT be eaten because they contain irritating hairs.

And lastly…

Japanese rose is often called the “beach tomato” or “sea tomato” because its large, bright red hips resemble tiny tomatoes, and it naturally thrives in coastal sandy habitats.

We hope you found this article informative but if you need professional identification or a quote to remove Japanese rose contact the team below.