Rosa rugosa

Rugosa rose is a hardy, multi-stemmed, disease-resistant deciduous shrub rose that has fragrant and showy flowers and hips. It grows to 4 to 6 feet tall and as equally as wide with a rounded or mounding habit. Over time the shrub will spread by suckers and forms dense thickets. The stems are erect to arching, stout, bristly, spiny, and have 1/4- inch needle-like thorns. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with 5 to 9 dark green leaflets. The surface of the leaves is thick, firm, and wrinkled in appearance. The flowers first appear in late May and persist through the first frost of fall. They appear in clusters or singly, usually 5-petaled in shades of pink to white with showy yellow stamens. Flower colors may vary depending on the cultivar. The fruits are large, cherry-like hips that are bright red to orange. They appear in August and persist through the winter months.

The rugosa rose is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. It is a native of eastern Russia, Korea, Japan, and northern China. It has been introduced around the world for ornamental purposes; however, it has been invasive in many coastal regions, particularly in New England.

The genus name, Rosa, originates from the Latin name for rose. The epithet, rugosa, is translated as wrinkled and references the appearance of the leaves.

This rose is best grown in moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. It is poor soil tolerant and may be grown in sandy, clay, or gravelly soils. Full sun is required for the best flowering and to increase disease resistance. Good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and wet soils decrease the chance of foliage diseases. It withstands heavy pruning and is resistant to damage by deer, rabbits, and rodents due to its prickly stems. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring. It is also drought and salt-spray tolerant. It may sucker and form colonies, so be careful when planting because these plants can take over the garden. The shrub is reproduced by hardwood stem cuttings or suckers. Deadheading the flowers should be avoided so that a beautiful display of rose hips will be seen in the fall and winter months.

Birds are attracted to the fruits, and butterflies and insects pollinate the flowers. Because of its tolerance to salt and sand, it has been frequently planted in coastal areas to help prevent erosion.  Many varieties and cultivars have been developed that have single, semi-double, or double flowers in colors of pink, purple, red, orange, or white. Most roses are susceptible to many diseases such as black spots and powdery mildew; however, the rugosa rose is noted for having excellent disease resistance due to its thicker leaves.

The rugosa rose may be considered as a hedge, screen, or specimen to provide interest and color in the landscape. Flowering from early summer to the first frost, this shrub would be lovely along a slope or bank. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Late Spring, Summer, and Fall          Fruit: Summer, Fall, and Winter           

Quick ID Hints:

• deciduous shrub, rounded, mounded habit
• stout, spiny stems with 0.25-inch needle-like prickles
• dark green upper surface, alternate, pinnately compounded leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets
• leaflets are elliptic to obovate, 1 to 2-inch long, serrate margins, wrinkled upper surface, and pubescent on the undersides
• flowers appear in clusters or singly as pink to white blooms, 2 to 3 inches wide, with 5 petals and showy yellow stamens
• fruits are large, 1-inch in diameter, cherry-like hips of red to orange

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The rugosa rose is less susceptible to diseases and insects due to its thick leaves. The plant is most disease resistant when planted in full sun with good air circulation. Potential diseases may include rust, rose rosette, black spots, and powdery mildew.  This shrub is also susceptible to aphids, beetles, borers, scales, rose midges leafhoppers, spider mites, and thrips, Avoid wet soils.

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.