Finally worked out how to use rugosa 'alba' properly!!!

Anyone planning to use rugosa 'alba' any time soon will soon find out that you need to get in really early to ensure it doesn't shed pollen and self pollinate. Rugosa are meant to be fairly self-sterile but I think someone forgot to tell rugosa 'alba' this as mine is setting op hips by the tonne. The only way I've found so far to make it work out ok is to get the buds a good two days or so before they are due to open, or as soon as I can see the white of their petals (I don't shoot until I can see the whites of their eyes LOL), strip the petals and anthers off and then bag it and leave it for two days. When you come back you'll notice there is a sticky liquid covering over the stigma and it will be ready to pollinate. So far everything that I've germinated from rugosa 'alba' has turned out to be a self maybe this year will be the one One the plus side, the OP rugosa seedlings are amazingly strong and healthy

Simon wrote:.... So far everything that I've germinated from rugosa 'alba' has turned out to be a self ....

Simon,
maybe only the result of the cross ist not yet visible

Citing W. v. Fleet:
"....Contrary to experience with Wichuraiana the best results are gained in dilute Rugosa crosses. It is necessary to remove two or more generations from the wild types to gain texture of petal and purity of coloring...."

cheers
Bernhard