Shrub Rose - Rugosa Rose
Rosa rugosa
An incredibly hardy and low-maintenance rose that thrives in challenging conditions while producing fragrant single flowers followed by large, ornamental rose hips. The distinctive wrinkled foliage turns golden-yellow in fall, and the thorny canes create an excellent barrier planting. This tough species rose is perfect for coastal gardens, naturalized areas, and anywhere you need a rose that practically grows itself.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–7
USDA hardiness
Height
4-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Shrub Rose - Rugosa Rose in USDA Zone 7
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Shrub Rose - Rugosa Rose · Zones 2–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #thorns#deciduous#fragrant flowers#pink flowers#deciduous shrub#salt tolerant#rabbit resistant#high maintenance#disease resistant#mounding#summer flowers#deer resistant#spines#red fruits#edible fruits#rounded#pollinator plant#orange fruits#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#full sun#landscape plant sleuths course#weedy#poor soil tolerant. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Alba'White flowers, White Rugosa Rose 'Albiglora'White flowers, large scarlet hips, and yellow fall foliage 'Alboplena'Double white flower 'Atropurpurea'Gold to orange flowers and orange red hips 'Belle Poitevine'Semi-double, light mauve-pink flower 'Blanc Double de Coubert'Semi-double to double white flower 'F.J. Grootendorst'Cranberry red flowers 'Frau Dagmar Hastrup'Single pink flower 'Hansa'Double, purple red flower 'Will Alderman'Double pink flower, 'Alba', 'Albiglora', 'Alboplena', 'Atropurpurea', 'Belle Poitevine', 'Blanc Double de Coubert', 'F.J. Grootendorst', 'Frau Dagmar Hastrup', 'Hansa', 'Will Alderman'. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are fleshy, edible, large, cherry-like hips about 1-inch in diameter. They are initially dull green and ripen to bright glossy red to orange by late summer. The seeds or achenes are encased in the hips. Each hip contains 20 to 120 seeds. The fruits are present from August and persist until winter.
Color: Orange, Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer, Winter
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: The fruits or hips are used to make jams and jellies.
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern Russia, Korea, Japan, and Northern China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Poor Soil, Salt
- +Attracts: Attracts Pollinators, Edible fruit
- +Wildlife value: The plant attracts pollinating insects and butterflies. Birds enjoy the fruits in the summer.
- +Edible: The fruits or hips are used to make jams and jellies.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels aphids, moths, and other pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Marigolds
Deters nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects with natural compounds
Chives
Repels aphids and Japanese beetles while improving soil health
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent black spot and powdery mildew
Catmint
Repels ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting beneficial insects
Alliums
Deter aphids, thrips, and other pests with strong sulfur compounds
Clematis
Provides vertical interest and shares similar soil and sun requirements
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on aphids
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits rose growth and causes wilting
Large Trees
Compete heavily for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade
Brassicas
May attract pests like flea beetles and compete for similar nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Exceptional disease resistance, virtually maintenance-free
Common Pests
Very few pest problems, occasionally Japanese beetles
Diseases
Rarely affected by typical rose diseases