Rugosa Rose

(Rosa rugosa)

Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Rosa rugosa image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Rosa rugosa, commonly known as Rugosa Rose, is a deciduous subshrub native to coastal sand dunes, sea shores, and inland valleys in Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia and China. This species forms dense thickets 1–1.50 m tall and is characterized by stems densely covered in numerous short, straight prickles 3–10 mm long. The flowers, which are highly fragrant, range from dark pink to white, with the white form known as R. rugosa f. alba (Ware) Rehder. They measure 6–9 cm across and feature somewhat wrinkled petals, blooming profusely in spring and sporadically throughout the summer. The plant is notable for its large, tomato-shaped red hips that appear in late summer and autumn, often coinciding with a second flush of flowers. The leaves typically turn bright yellow before falling in autumn.

Rugosa Rose is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its fragrant flowers, attractive hips, and bright fall foliage. It is a hardy plant, well-suited to urban planting, border planting, and use as a hedge or ground cover, particularly in coastal areas due to its exceptional tolerance to salt spray and storms. It thrives in full sun, requires medium amounts of water, and prefers well-drained soils. While it is disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance, Rosa rugosa can be invasive when planted outside its native range, spreading aggressively in some regions such as Europe and North America. Gardeners should check local regulations before planting to prevent ecological disruptions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Width: 4-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal sand dunes and sea shores

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Rose , Turkestan Rose , Rugose Rose , Beach Rose , Ramanas Rose , Letchberry , Saltspray Rose , Wrinkled Rose , Rynket Rose , Kartoffel-Rose

Scientific Names: Rosa rugosa , Rosa cinnamomea , Rosa ferox , Rosa rugosa var. kamtschatica , Rosa kamtchatica , Rosa rugosa f. plena , Rosa regeliana , Rosa pubescens , Rosa rugosa var. plena , Rosa rugosa var. rubra

GBIF Accepted Name: Rosa rugosa Thunb.