Under used and the unsung hero’s of many rose gardens are the Rugosa Roses. Repeat flowering, fragrant and tough, disease resistant and one of the few roses that grows well in coastal conditions, so why are they under used ? Probably publicity, and they are a little thorny.
Fast growing, Rugosa roses can be used as hedge, however more often they are used a shrub, pruned heavily each year otherwise, you just neglect them.
One Rugosa rose that we grow is the well known ‘Sarah Van Fleet’ it has ben around since the 1920’s, a proven performer, pictured right.
How To Grow Rugosa Roses
These are a rose that thrive in sun and poor soil, they will do better in a humus rich soil, however Rugosa Roses are real warriors, they will carry on in the harshest climates, they also cope well with cold. So a sunny position, water in well and mulch to provide a cool root run and they will be happy with very little extra care.
Rugosa roses will grow in a range of climates zones, the only thing they insist on is a cool winter dormancy
Growing Conditions
- Sun
Full sun is best, a little afternoon shade is OK however at least 6 hours of good sun a day for best growth and flowers. - Soil
Any soil that is well drained, Rugosas are not fussy. - Watering
Once established Rugosa type roses are fairly drought tolerant and in many gardens need no supplementary water at all.
Watering frequency will depend on soil and climate. In long dry periods a deep watering every 2 weeks should be sufficient if well mulched. - Fertiliser
A slow release general purpose fertiliser once a year in spring should be sufficient. You could also use aged cow manure in spring as you renew the much.
Are some Rugosa Roses more fragrant than others?
Blanc Double de Coubert, is said to be the most fragrant of all, although Sarah Van Fleet is pretty good as well.
Pruning
Pruning depends on what you are after, if its a hedge, let them go and just prune out a few of the older canes after a year or two. Prune to shape as required. Remember that some are taller growing than others, so check with the grower before buying.
If you are after a shrub effect, prune hard each year, once established remove one or two of the older canes each year. In terms of disease and pests, you probably will not need to worry.
Rugosa Roses are available for sale from the following nurseries
Bare rooted and potted. Old World, David Austin, Bush & Standard Roses. Over 400 varieties available by Mail Order.
www.magicgardenroses.com.au
One of Australia's leading Rose suppliers. Large range of Bare root rose plants available for delivery Australia wide from June to August. For Rose care information and to order online visit our website.
www.treloarroses.com.au
400 Galston Road, Galston NSW 2159
Huge range of potted roses available all year - weeping, standards, climbing, groundcover, bush, David Austin, Smooth Touch, Old World, New Releases. Rose Garden Design Service.
www.greeneroses.com.au
Rugosa Rose Varieties
- Rugosa alba and Scabrosa are two popular types, however lots more are available.
- Frau Dagmar Hastrup is well known, a rugosa with nice pink flowers and perhaps a little smaller growing than many.
- We like Sarah Van Fleet, very fragrant, pink flowers its tall and will get to nearly 2m in height.
- Souvenir de Philemon Cochet is a double white, a dense growing rose, excellent.
- Another lovely white flowering rugosa is Blanc Double de Coubert semi double with pretty golden stamens and fragrant.
- And for a red, try Parfume de L’Hay, a repeat flowering rose with good perfume.
Growing Rugosa Roses as a Hedge
If you are considering using these roses as a hedging plant, remember that some varieties will grow taller than others, so while Frau Dagmar Hastrup might be suited to a low growing hedge, Sarah Van Fleet is a better selection for a taller one.
Remember that these are pruned late, and this is because of the wonderful rose hips, most gardeners tend to leave then on the plant right through winter, the bright orange to red hips make a wonderful ongoing display.