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Overview
Rosa rugosa is rugosa rose (Japanese rose), a mounding deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide with densely prickly stems. Magenta-pink to purple-pink single 5-petaled flowers 2.5-3.5 inches (6-9 cm) — strongly fragrant (classic rose fragrance). White form exists (f. alba). Repeat-blooming from June through September (14 weeks). Large round-flattened orange-red hips 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) — flowers and ripe hips appear simultaneously in late summer. Dark green deeply wrinkled (rugose) pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets. Turns yellow to orange in fall. In Rosaceae. Native to northeast Asia — coastal sand dunes and rocky shores. Classified as invasive in some coastal regions of North America and Europe — spreads by root suckers to form dense impenetrable thickets. This invasive suckering is the primary limitation — check local status before planting near natural coastal habitats. The hips are high in vitamin C and used for tea, jelly, and syrup. Tolerates salt spray, sandy soil, drought, and harsh coastal conditions (pH 5.5-8.0). No black spot or powdery mildew — inherently disease-resistant. The densely prickly stems make handling difficult. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 2-9. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to northeast Asia — Japan, Korea, northern China, and the Russian Far East. Found on coastal sand dunes, rocky shores, and seaside bluffs.Suggested Uses
Grown as a coastal hedge, barrier planting, slope stabilization, and wildlife habitat spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Tolerates salt spray and sand. Edible hips (vitamin C). Invasive in some coastal regions — check local status. Densely prickly. Non-toxic. Zones 2-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Early summer through fall (June-September). Magenta-pink to purple-pink single flowers 2.5-3.5 inches (6-9 cm). Strongly fragrant. 14 weeks of repeat bloom. Flowers and ripe hips appear simultaneously in late summer. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Large orange-red hips 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm).Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Magenta-pink to purple-pink, single, 5-petaled, 2.5-3.5 inches (6-9 cm); white form exists (f. alba); strongly fragrant (classic rose fragrance)Foliage Description
Dark green, pinnately compound with 5-9 leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm); deeply wrinkled (rugose = wrinkled) leaf texture — the wrinkled surface is the source of the species name; turns yellow to orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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 (6+ hours). Any well-drained soil pH 5.5-8.0 — tolerates sandy soil, salt spray, drought, and harsh coastal conditions. Inherently disease-resistant (no black spot or mildew). Classified as invasive in some coastal regions — check local status. Root suckers form dense thickets. Densely prickly stems. Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 2-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March). Remove 1/3 of the oldest canes at ground level annually. Remove root suckers to control thicket spread. The densely prickly stems require heavy gloves and long sleeves. Can be renovated by cutting entirely to 6 inches (15 cm) in late winter.Pruning Schedule
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early spring