Overview
Rosa glauca is redleaf rose (glaucous rose), an upright deciduous shrub growing 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide with arching reddish-purple stems. Blue-gray to purple-mauve pinnately compound foliage with 5-9 leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) — the glaucous (waxy) bloom on the leaves creates the blue-gray color. The foliage color intensifies in full sun. Small single pink flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) with a white center in June — brief (2 weeks). Abundant dark red oval hips 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) follow bloom and persist into winter. The arching stems are nearly thornless (fewer and smaller thorns than most rose species). In Rosaceae. Native to central and southern Europe — Pyrenees through Alps to Caucasus. Formerly classified as R. rubrifolia. The blue-gray to purple foliage color is the primary feature — the small brief flowers are secondary. Self-seeds in some conditions — seedlings appear near the parent. This self-seeding is the primary maintenance concern in garden settings. Extremely cold-hardy (zones 2-8). No significant disease problems — one of the most disease-resistant rose species (no black spot or mildew issues). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to central and southern Europe — from the Pyrenees through the Alps to the Caucasus. Found in mountain meadows and rocky slopes at mid-elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, informal hedges, and wildlife gardens spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Blue-gray to purple foliage. Persistent red hips for winter interest and wildlife. No disease problems. Extremely cold-hardy. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Early summer (June). Single pink flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) with white center in small clusters. 2 weeks of bloom. Brief. Bee-visited. Abundant dark red oval hips 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) follow — persist into winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Single, pink with a white center, 5-petaled, 1.5 inches (4 cm) across; brief bloom followed by abundant dark red hipsFoliage Description
Blue-gray to purple-mauve with a glaucous (waxy) bloom, pinnately compound with 5-9 leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm); the foliage color intensifies in full sun and on new growth; turns yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — full sun for most intense foliage color). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. No significant disease problems (no black spot or mildew). Self-seeds — remove seedlings if spread is unwanted. Prune in early spring (March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 2-8.Pruning
Prune in early spring (March). Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems at ground level annually for renewal. The arching habit and reddish-purple stems are the natural form. Remove self-sown seedlings to control spread.Pruning Schedule
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early spring