Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green, Silver

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Orange, Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Invasive, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Redleaf rose is a lovely, hardy, though difficult to find rose. It grows about 6 to 8 feet tall and maybe as wide, with an upward, slightly arching habit. The flowers are simple, single clear pink with white centers and yellow stamens. Hips are oval and coppery red. Unlike many roses, this one has foliage nearly as lovely as the flower: new leaves emerge reddish then open to a pewter-blue to grey-green with darker, purplish midribs. New stems are also purplish in hue, and nearly thornless. Combines well with perennials, ornamental grasses, and herbs. And while I normally don't recommend roses for foundations (so many of them are only attractive in flower), redleaf rose is lovely all year, and so could merit such placement.

Grow in loamy, well drained soil in full sun; though it will tolerate poorer soils than other roses, the best flower and fruit production will occur in a rich soil. If you plan to harvest the hips, avoid using any chemical and harvest after the first frost. For pruning and growing tips, see Guides.