ShrubsRosa rugosa
Rugosa Rose
The rugosa rose is an exceptionally robust, thorny shrub with fragrant single pink or white flowers from June to September. After flowering, large bright red hips appear that are edible and rich in vitamin C. The wrinkled, dark green foliage turns yellow in autumn.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 100–200 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 2–7
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in virtually any soil type, even poor sand or salty coastal soil. Once established, the plant is extremely drought-tolerant and winter-hardy. Feeding is rarely needed. Ideal as a free-growing hedge or coastal planting.
Pruning tips
Prune as little as possible for a natural shape. Remove dead wood and any overly long branches in early spring. Avoid heavy pruning — the rugosa rose responds better to light corrections.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.
PerennialsGeranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne' is one of the longest-flowering perennials, producing bright blue-violet blooms from June until the first frost. It grows as a wide, low mound and makes an outstanding ground cover. Rozanne is tough, disease-free, and fits nearly any garden style.