The Rugosa Rose
is native to northern China, Korea and Japan. It is a bristly, prickly,
sprawling, suckering shrub rose that typically grows in a rounded form to 4-6′
tall and as wide. It will over time spread by suckers to form dense thickets.
Odd-pinnate dark green leaves (each with 5-9 leaflets) turn yellow (sometimes a
quality orange-red) in fall. Each leaflet (to 2″ long) has pronounced
veins, a wrinkled appearance, serrated edges and downy undersides. Fragrant
flowers are rose pink to white (to 3 1/4″ across). Flowers are primarily
single (5 petals), but are semi-double or double in some varieties and hybrid
cultivars. Flowers appear singly or in clusters. Flowers primarily bloom from
late May to July, with some additional scattered bloom to early fall. Flowers
are followed by fleshy, edible, tomato-shaped hips (to 1″ diameter) which
appear green but ripen to bright red by late summer and persist on the shrub
until late fall sometimes extending into winter. Hips are used to make jams and
jellies (rose hip jam). Stems are covered with abundant sharp thorns, making
this an excellent impenetrable hedge. Ability to thrive in sandy seashore
habitats combined with tomato-shaped hips led to the additional common names of
beach tomato and sea tomato for this shrub. Because of its tolerance for salt
and sand, this rose has been planted along ocean shores to help stabilize
beaches/control beach erosion. Many varieties and hybrid cultivars (single to
double flowers in colors of pink, purple or white) have been developed. Hardy in zones 2-7.
Growing
Instructions for the Rugosa Rose
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by
nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a
nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for 24-48 hours. 3.
Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator
for 1-2 months. 4. After the stratification of the seeds, place the seeds in
small, growing pots filled with pre-watered soil. A mix of garden soil and peat
moss works well. Plant the seeds 1 inch apart, cover with 1/4 inch of soil and
place in a sunny location. Be sure to keep the soil moist and never let it dry
out as it can kill the seeds. 5. When the seedlings have at least two sets of
leaves, they can be transplanted outside after the risk of frost has passed.
Mason (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Bryan (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Dylan (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Kayden (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Michael (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful