Bonica Shrub Rose
Rosa 'Bonica'
This incredibly reliable shrub rose is perfect for beginning rose gardeners, producing masses of soft pink blooms from spring until frost with virtually no care required. The compact, spreading habit makes it ideal for landscaping, borders, or ground cover, while its exceptional disease resistance means you can enjoy beautiful roses without the typical maintenance headaches. Bonica was the first shrub rose to win the prestigious All-America Rose Selection award.
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
5–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bonica Shrub Rose in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 rose →Zone Map
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Bonica Shrub Rose · Zones 5–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Grafting.
Harvesting
The accessory fruit is called a hip and forms after the flowers finish blooming. The hip will appear under the sepals of where the flower was after the flower dies. They will turn from green to red. They are filled with many achenes surrounded by irritating hairs.
Color: Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.
History & Origin
Origin: Temp. & Subtropical Northern Hemisphere (such as Europe & Asia)
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: #showy flowers#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#rose#tsc#cottage garden#security plant#high maintenance#English garden#cutting garden#border back#tsc-s#bee friendly#container plant#patio#hedge#prickles#shrub rose#cpp#walkway#HS111#HS303#hortcontest#nesting site#fpp
- +Wildlife value: Wildlife is attracted to the edible hips. Single-flowered species and cultivars are attractive to bees. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
- +Edible: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels aphids, moths, and other rose pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Marigold
Deters aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes that commonly attack roses
Allium
Natural fungicide properties help prevent black spot and powdery mildew on roses
Catmint
Repels aphids and ants while attracting beneficial insects and providing ground cover
Garlic
Natural pest deterrent and may help prevent fungal diseases in roses
Clematis
Complementary root systems and blooming periods, shares similar water and nutrient needs
Salvia
Attracts beneficial predatory insects that control rose pests like thrips and aphids
Thyme
Ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and repels cabbage worms and other pests
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that stunts rose growth and can cause yellowing and death
Large Trees
Compete for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade that reduces rose blooming
Brassicas
Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may attract pests that also damage roses
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust
Common Pests
Rarely bothered by pests due to vigor
Diseases
Highly disease resistant, occasional aphids