Rosa Rugosa Alba Rugosa Rose

Rosa Rugosa Alba is a naturally occurring species rose with a very round, bushy habit of large, quilted dark green foliage. Left unattended, this suckering deciduous shrub rose can spread to form dense, prickly thickets. The bush is remarkably robust, extremely disease resistant, and incredibly cold hardy—up to Zone 2. It tolerates sandy soils and salted sea air, so it grows well in northern coastal regions. A tough shrub rose, Rosa Rugosa Alba is a great choice for the beginner or casual gardener.

You can expect a heavy spring flush, and a sporadic repeat up to first frost, of single 3-inch white flowers with 5 petals, a yellow tufted boss of stamens, and a slight fragrance. In the fall, Rosa Rugosa Alba is covered in round fat and fleshy bright red rose hips, which resemble cherry tomatoes. The hips are edible and can be made into jams and jellies. They are a good food source for wildlife and a tasty snack for birds, rich in vitamin C.

Use in mixed beds, hedges, and borders.