Rosa Rugosa Rugosa Rose

A subdivision of shrubs, Rosa Rugosa, also known as rugosa rose or Japanese rose, is a naturally occurring species rose with a very round, bushy habit of large, quilted, dark green foliage. Left unattended, this suckering deciduous shrub rose can spread to form dense, prickly thickets. The bush is remarkably robust, extremely disease resistant, and incredibly cold hardy—up to Zone 2. It tolerates sandy soils and salted sea air, so it grows well in northern coastal regions. A tough rose, Rosa Rugosa is a great choice for the beginner or casual gardener.

You can expect a heavy spring flush, and a sporadic repeat up to first frost, of single 3-inch deep-blue-pink flowers with 5 petals, a yellow tufted boss of stamens, and a slight fragrance. And in the fall, Rosa Rugosa is covered in round, fat, and fleshy bright red rose hips, which resemble cherry tomatoes. The hips are edible and can be made into jams and jellies. They are a good food source for wildlife and a tasty snack for birds, rich in vitamin C.

Use in mixed beds, hedges, and borders.