I live in the "Rose City" of Portland, OR...home of the International Rose Test Garden. Growing these thorny beauties here is really pretty easy. Sure, we still have pest and disease problems, but with a bit of maintenance and an observing eye, it is definitely manageable.
Still, they do require extra attention...and for some people, that is a deal-breaker. Further, there are plenty of places (like the south) where growing roses is truly a thorn-in-the-side experience. I know plenty of gardeners who will only grow Knock Out Roses or who have given up on growing them altogether.
But there is another alternative: Rosa rugosa. It forms a dense shrub that can grow to 6+ ft in height and width. The leaves are beautifully textured, resulting in the name "rugose" or wrinkled. Bloom time is generally heaviest in June, with sporadic blooms till frost, followed by luscious fruits or rose hips. And don't get me started on the scent...absolutely intoxicating!
Now, not to be a Debbie-Downer, but there are a couple of things you should know before you plant. This plant spreads via suckers...and believe me, it spreads. If you are looking for an impressive hedge or thicket, this is perfect! Otherwise, you will need to stay on top of this new growth so it doesn't take over. Also, the branches are densely covered in thorns, so wear protective gear, preferably rose gauntlet gloves.
However, it is the dense and thorny nature of this shrub that makes it a fantastic pest deterrent. If planted around the edges of your property or as a border to a specific planting, the rugosa fends off bunnies, mice and other furries. Some people also use them to deter deer...and I suspect that would work, particularly if the deer have easier to access food elsewhere.
These hardy (zone 2-9) shrubs aren't too particular about soil, though they like good drainage.They do not need a lot of water, which also makes them an outstanding edge of the property plant. Rugosas are tolerant of both sand and salt and will grow right on the beach. Give them good drainage, lots of sun and occasional doses of compost alternating with coffee grounds and your plant will be healthy and happy!
If you decide that you want several, they can be propagated from soft and hard wood cuttings, as well as grown from seeds. I suspect they can also be grown by digging up some of the suckers...but I haven't tried that myself.
For more information on Rosa rugosa, check out this article on White Rosa rugosa.




































