Rugosas
Rugosa
roses are among the toughest of garden roses. They originated in China,
Japan and Korea centuries ago but it was not until the 1970s that
breeders actively began to create newer varieties. Rugosa roses differ
greatly in appearance than other roses. They are dense and robust
in form, very thorny, and the leaves are thick and heavily veined.
In contrast, the blooms of the rugosa appear fragile - somewhat like
crinkled silk. Plump rose hips appear following the bloom period in
spring and foliage turns an attractive bronze color in the fall. Rugosas
make wonderful hedges and look good in a mixed shrub border.Their
hardiness and their ability to withstand sea spray make them popular
in northern climates and coastal areas. Rugosas are very disease resistant
and do NOT like to be sprayed with chemicals. Spraying will actually
cause the leaves to turn yellow. Not all rugosas perform well in the
South, so select varieties carefully. The following list are ones
that have done well for me.
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