Plant Type

Shrub, Herb

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Orange, Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Rugosa roses are cold hardy roses with a generally upright habit, growing 3 to 8 or more feet, depending on the variety. Flowers and color vary with cultivar. Leaves tend to be thicker than those of tea or grandiflora roses, are more textured, and remain attractive all season; many have nice fall color. Many are fragrant and make attractive cut flowers. Most rugosa's produce attractive rose hips; if you intend to harvest them, avoid using chemicals of any kind and harvest after the first frost.

Grow in loamy, well drained soil in full sun. Avoid overhead watering as the practice may encourage leaf diseases. Pruning is a little less particular than with teas and grandifloras, but even so, it should still be done with care and thought to future growth (see Guides).