Rose hips are the brightly colored fruits that develop on pollinated roses in late summer and fall. They can be round, oval, or even bottle-shaped, and their colors range from bright orange and red to deep purple.
Depending on the rose species, hips may grow in large clusters (similar to holly or elderberry), in smaller groups of three to four, or as a striking single display. While most hips are round, some varieties produce elongated shapes.
Roses with single or semi-double blooms tend to produce the most abundant hip displays. Although nearly all roses can form hips, heavily petaled varieties—such as hybrid teas—often make it difficult for bees and other pollinators to reach the flower’s center.