Class: Rugosa

Belle Poitevine Photo © The Roseraie at Bayfields used with permission

"Rugosa roses are those derived from the thorny Japanese rose R. rugosa, the two mains forms of which are wine-red and white. Though a few crosses had been made earlier (as early as the 1820's), in the 1890's several hybridizers became interested in working with the species due to its hardiness, health, vigor, and special beauty. This lattermost is due to its glossy green leaves and splendid orange hips as well as its large, beautiful flowers. Due to the ease with which it crosses, much has been tried with the Rugosas, and efforts continue today. Colors range from white through pink to red and purple, and yellow can be found as well. There are new dwarfer cultivars, but normally the specimen will reach five or six feet in height. Some old cultivars: `Roseraie de l'Hay', `Blanc Double de Coubert', `Fimbriata', `Mme. Alvarez del Campo', `New Century', `Comte d'Epremesnil',`Grootendorst Supreme', `Rose Apples'."
- Brent C. Dickerson odinthor@csulb.edu, author, "The Old Rose Advisor"

The Rugosas originated on sand dunes along the coast of Northern Japan and Siberia and are therefore very cold hardy. Most of their hybrids have retained a good cold tolerance. Nealy all are very thorny, have deeply veined healthy leaves, are very fragrant, remontant and bear edible hips in fall. Rugosas are the most disease resistant of all the roses, shade tolerant and never need to be treated for blackspot. They make excellent hedges and companion plants for vegetable gardens.

(zones 2 to 4 - a few are less hardy).

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