We also used to do the same, picking and drying them for tea. It was tasty when already in the cup.
But I haven't found good rosehip tea for years now in the shops, must be that it is not the same when you buy it and pick it by yourself. Not the same.
Definitely not the same. It is the same with mint - I am used to have it fresh (or dried, but from the garden) and the shop one in teabags just doesn't taste good.