Deciduous Shrubs

Rosa spp. 'Shrub & Species Group'

shrub & species roses

Rosaceae
Northern Hemisphere temperate regions (species roses); complex hybrid origin (modern shrub roses — Knock Out, David Austin English roses, Buck roses, Explorer series, Parkland series)

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m)
Width2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m)
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 9
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsDrought TolerantFragrant (moderate)Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Rosa (Shrub and Species Group) includes shrub roses and species roses (landscape roses), deciduous shrubs ranging from 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m) tall and 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m) wide. Flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in white, pink, red, yellow, orange, or lavender — single, semi-double, or double. This group is the broadest and most diverse rose class, covering wild species roses (R. rugosa, R. glauca, R. moyesii), old garden roses, and modern disease-resistant landscape cultivars (Knock Out, Drift, Oso Easy, David Austin English roses, Explorer series). In Rosaceae. The defining trait of this group is lower maintenance than hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras — many cultivars have inherent disease resistance and do not require a regular spray program. Rugosa hybrids (R. rugosa) tolerate salt, sandy soil, and harsh conditions (zones 2-7) and produce large hips 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm). Once-blooming species roses bloom for 2-3 weeks; repeat-blooming modern cultivars bloom May-October. The wide size range (2-8 feet / 0.6-2.4 m) requires cultivar-specific spacing. Some species roses spread aggressively by root suckers (R. rugosa, R. multiflora) — R. multiflora is classified as invasive. Deer browse. Drought-tolerant once established (many cultivars). Non-toxic. Zones 2-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate varies by cultivar.

Native Range

Species roses native to Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. Modern shrub roses are complex hybrids developed in North America and Europe (Knock Out, David Austin English roses, Explorer series, Parkland series).

Suggested Uses

Grown as landscape shrubs, informal hedges, mass plantings, wildlife habitat (hips), and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m) depending on cultivar. The lowest-maintenance rose class. Disease-resistant cultivars for spray-free gardens. Rugosa types for coastal and harsh sites. Non-toxic. Zones 2-9.

How to Identify

Identified as roses that do not fit the hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, miniature, or climbing classes — a broad catch-all group. Includes wild species, old garden roses, and modern disease-resistant landscape cultivars. Rugosa types identified by heavily textured (wrinkled) foliage and large hips. In Rosaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink
red
yellow
orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
Late spring through fall (May-October for repeat-bloomers; 2-3 weeks in June for once-bloomers). Flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) singly or in clusters. White, pink, red, yellow, orange, or lavender. Moderately fragrant (many cultivars). Bee-, butterfly-, and hummingbird-visited. Rose hips on species and rugosa types.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Variable — white, pink, red, yellow, orange, lavender; 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); single (5 petals), semi-double, or double; borne singly or in clusters

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green; rugosa types have heavily textured (rugose = wrinkled) foliage; some cultivars have glossy disease-resistant foliage

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 4-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5 — rugosa types tolerate sandy soil and salt. Many cultivars are disease-resistant (Knock Out, Explorer series) — reduced spray needs. Repeat-bloomers: deadhead or shear lightly. Once-bloomers: leave hips for fall-winter interest. Some species sucker aggressively (R. rugosa, R. multiflora). Prune repeat-bloomers in late winter; once-bloomers after flowering. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 2-9.

Pruning

Repeat-blooming cultivars: prune in late winter (February-March). Remove dead canes and shape. Modern landscape cultivars (Knock Out) tolerate hedge shearing. Once-blooming species: prune after flowering (June-July) — blooms on old wood. Rugosa types: renewal prune — remove 1/3 of oldest canes at ground level annually. Remove suckers from spreading types.

Pruning Schedule

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early springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic