Joanne McKinnon Garden Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Rugosa’

This rose nearly landed in the fire pit last year. For a rugosa, it’s a bit finicky. The Hunder is a cross between a  ‘Rubra” (Rugosa) and ‘Indepence’ (Floribunda’). So it needs more care than the average rugosa. Mulching the base is a must. I tried cedar chips with little success. I moved it to a more sandy soil amended with plenty of compost. Added small rocks at the base to protect it from mud splashes. It worked, no black spots. It is also the only rugosa in my garden to get protection from winter colds.

Rosa Rugosa | Read more

Rosa Rugosa var. Alba

This is my first bought rose. Ordered it from a mail order nursery over 15 years ago. At the time I wanted to create a rose hedge. They were moved when changes to the terrain were made. Now they grow as specimen plants. Rugosas can survive our cold winters and strong spring winds without protection. Pest is not much of a problem either. I did find Japanese beetles this year munching on the petals. They seemed to prefer white blooms. I kept the population down by dropping them in a bucket of soapy water.

Never saw mildew or black spot on any of them. I did have to cut down some older canes. They grew back and bloomed the following season. They also spread which makes them poor companions in flower beds. Using thick gloves that covers your forearms will also save your skin.

If you stop cutting the faded blooms in August, they will produce plenty of hips that will help the local wildlife survive winter.

And one more thing, they smell great.