Rosa rugosa thrives best in full sun, which maximizes flower production and improves foliage health. To ensure optimal exposure, plant Rosa rugosa in areas unobstructed by buildings or tall trees, ensuring it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa)

Also known as: Beach rose, Letchberry

This robust shrub thrives in diverse climates and poor soils. It blooms with large flowers from summer to winter, and its hips are both bird-attracting and edible for humans. Despite its attractive appearance, the Rugosa Rose is regarded as invasive in certain areas.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Rugosa rose

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 1.5 m

Spread

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

6 cm to 9 cm

Flower Color

Pink Red White Purple Yellow

Images of Rugosa rose

Quickly Identify Rugosa rose

Robust shrub, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall with arching stems and mound-like shape.

Dark green, pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 elliptic leaflets, serrate margins, and wrinkled texture.

Pink to white, fragrant flowers, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide with 5 petals and yellow stamens.

Bright red to orange, 1-inch (2.5 cm) fruits resembling large cherries.

Stout, arching stems with 0.25-inch (6 mm) needle-like prickles.

Scientific Classification of Rugosa rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Roses

Species

Rugosa rose

Planting and Growing of Rugosa rose

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Rugosa rose?

Rosa rugosa, commonly known as rugosa rose, prefers deep watering sessions to mimic natural rainfall. Ensure the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage the roots to grow downward. You should aim for about 1000 milliliters each time, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Rugosa rose? ›

What should I do if my Rugosa rose is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Rugosa rose? ›

How to save an overwatered Rugosa rose? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Rugosa rose?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Rosa rugosa prefers full sun, thriving under prolonged sunlight exposure. Ideal light aids in robust blooming and enhanced pest resistance, contributing significantly to its health and aesthetic appeal.

Optimal Sun Exposure ›

Ensuring Proper Plant Placement ›

Benefits of Adequate Light ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Rugosa rose?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Rosa rugosa is between 60°F and 75°F. These temperatures support optimal physiological and metabolic processes, ensuring robust growth and vibrant blooms. This range provides a conducive environment for nutrient uptake and photosynthesis, crucial for maintaining healthy foliage and flower production.

What Soil is Best for Rugosa rose?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam, Sand soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Rosa rugosa thrives in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging and root rot. Good drainage allows oxygen to reach the roots, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. The plant benefits from soil enriched with organic matter, providing essential nutrients and improving soil texture. This supports vigorous growth and abundant flowers. While Rosa rugosa is drought-tolerant, maintaining moderately moist soil helps sustain its lush foliage and floral display, ensuring resilience during dry spells. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Rugosa rose?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Rosa rugosa, it's important to use a balanced approach. When using liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half its strength to avoid over-fertilization. With slow-release fertilizers, follow the instructions but aim for a moderate amount, about 50 grams per square meter, to ensure steady nutrient release. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Rugosa rose?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

In early spring, prune Rosa rugosa by cutting back to the desired height, usually around one-third of the plant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems. This encourages healthy growth and allows for better air circulation. After the first flush of flowers in summer, perform a light pruning to remove spent blooms and any straggly growth. This encourages a second flush of blooms and keeps the shrub looking tidy. In autumn, remove any dead or diseased wood and tidy the plant by cutting back excessively long or unbalanced stems. This prepares the plant for winter and sets the stage for vigorous spring growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Rugosa rose plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Spring, Late spring

To propagate Rosa rugosa from seeds, collect the hips from mature plants in late autumn. Extract the seeds and dry them before storing them in a cool, dry place until early spring.

Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant for cuttings. Cut a section that is 6-8 inches long, ensuring it's free from disease and pests.

In early spring, dig up the plant and carefully divide its roots. Each divided section should have enough roots to support new growth once replanted.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Rugosa rose plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Signs that Rosa rugosa needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, and less frequent blooming. The best time to repot is early spring or early autumn when the plant is not in active growth, ensuring minimal stress.

Choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. A suitable pot ensures sufficient room for root expansion and proper drainage holes, crucial for preventing waterlogging and root rot.

Opt for well-draining, loamy soil with a mix of sand, silt, and organic matter. This choice supports healthy root development and keeps the plant well-nourished, aiding in robust growth and abundant flower production.