Petal Pals
other · 1796
Hybrid Rugosa Rose
Rosa rugosa Thunb.
3 to 8 feet
Height
Repeat
Blooming
Full sun
Light
2–9
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
other
Bloom size
2.5 to 4 inches
Bloom habit
Borne in small clusters or as solitary blossoms.
Petal count
Single (4-8 petals) to Very Double (41+ petals)
Flowering
repeat blooming
Habit
bushy
Color
purple
Fragrance
strong
Foliage
Medium to dark green
Foliage surface
Rugose (heavily wrinkled), leathery, and often pubescent underneath.
Fragrance Notes
Possesses a strong, spicy, clove-like fragrance characteristic of the species.
Color Description
Varies by cultivar, typically ranging from pure white and soft pink to deep mauve and crimson-purple.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Full sun
Height
3 to 8 feet
Spread
3 to 6 feet
Soil
Highly adaptable to poor, sandy, and salty coastal soils; prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2–9
Disease Resistance
Very high resistance to most fungal diseases.
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Requires average watering and well-drained soil; once established, it is notably drought and salt tolerant.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced general-purpose fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; remove only old or dead canes at ground level during late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning and refrain from using chemical sprays on the sensitive, rugose foliage.
Pests & Diseases
Excellent resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew; however, the foliage is sensitive to chemical pesticides. Common pests include Japanese beetles.
🧬 Pedigree
Derived from Rosa rugosa crossed with various other rose classes.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Numerous cultivars within the Hybrid Rugosa class have received ARS and international awards for hardiness and performance.