Rugosa roses for northern tier gardens

Nastarana · June 27, 2015

Anyone wanting an easy care hedge which needs no chemical intervention, grows of itself like weeds, attracts pollinators and repels unwanted trespass could do worse than to consider Rosa rugosa and it's hybrids.

The species R. rugosa is native to the shores of Japan and northern Asia. It is completely hardy to at least zone 4 and probably even colder, and is one of the very few rose species which does rebloom throughout the growing season. The flowers are very attractive large blooms, about 3" in across, either red or white. The red color is the true red, not mixed with any trace of orange or yellow. The flowers are covered in bumblebees (and honeybees, when those were still around) when in bloom. I found in my yard that the humble bumbles like to nest near the rugosas if a gardener will be kind enough to leave piles of straw nearby.

The species and hybrids can be planted in any average soil, with no or minimal fertilization, and NO pesticides must ever be used. Rugosa leaves cannot tolerate chemical application. They are tolerant of salt, being beach roses, and do need plentiful water. Therefore, they are not best choices for desert areas, nor do they thrive in the hot southeast USA. Their armature is formidable, and can probably repel deer and certainly will keep vegetable thieves out of your garden if you live in a neighborhood where that might be a problem.

The species grows to about 4'. some of the hybrids grow much higher. The most famous hybrid, and one of the iconic roses of the 20thC is 'Therese Bugnet', a rose with red branches which is attractive in every season. Two nurseries which have good rugosa selections are North Creek Farms in Maine and High Country Roses in Colorado. The second I can praise highly; I have not ever ordered from North Creek. The owner of North Creek has published a book called "Rugosas"; anyone wanting more information on these beautiful roses could consult that book at your local library.

June 27, 2015	#1
Nastarana Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Utica, NY Posts: 6	Rugosa roses for northern tier gardens Anyone wanting an easy care hedge which needs no chemical intervention, grows of itself like weeds, attracts pollinators and repels unwanted trespass could do worse than to consider Rosa rugosa and it's hybrids. The species R. rugosa is native to the shores of Japan and northern Asia. It is completely hardy to at least zone 4 and probably even colder, and is one of the very few rose species which does rebloom throughout the growing season. The flowers are very attractive large blooms, about 3" in across, either red or white. The red color is the true red, not mixed with any trace of orange or yellow. The flowers are covered in bumblebees (and honeybees, when those were still around) when in bloom. I found in my yard that the humble bumbles like to nest near the rugosas if a gardener will be kind enough to leave piles of straw nearby. The species and hybrids can be planted in any average soil, with no or minimal fertilization, and NO pesticides must ever be used. Rugosa leaves cannot tolerate chemical application. They are tolerant of salt, being beach roses, and do need plentiful water. Therefore, they are not best choices for desert areas, nor do they thrive in the hot southeast USA. Their armature is formidable, and can probably repel deer and certainly will keep vegetable thieves out of your garden if you live in a neighborhood where that might be a problem. The species grows to about 4'. some of the hybrids grow much higher. The most famous hybrid, and one of the iconic roses of the 20thC is 'Therese Bugnet', a rose with red branches which is attractive in every season. Two nurseries which have good rugosa selections are North Creek Farms in Maine and High Country Roses in Colorado. The second I can praise highly; I have not ever ordered from North Creek. The owner of North Creek has published a book called "Rugosas"; anyone wanting more information on these beautiful roses could consult that book at your local library.