Log in or sign up

Rosa rugosa /ˈɹoʊzə/

Common name: Rugosa rose · Beach rose · Japanese rose · Ramanas rose

Rosa rugosa is a species of flowering shrub in the rose family, native to coastal areas of eastern Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and southeastern Siberia. It forms a dense, suckering shrub with heavily textured (rugose) dark green leaves, fragrant single pink or white flowers, and large, tomato-red hips. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental and hedging plant for its hardiness, salt tolerance, and repeat blooming, and its hips are used for teas, jams, and syrups.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to light shade
Water Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Well-drained; tolerates poor, sandy, salty soils
Hardiness Zones 2–7
Mature height About 100–200 cm (3–6 ft)
Pet safe Generally non-toxic; thorns can injure
Difficulty Easy
Propagation The simplest method is digging up and replanting the suckers that arise from the roots. Hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn also root reliably, and seed germinates after a period of cold stratification.

Fun facts

  • Its hips are among the largest of any rose and are exceptionally rich in vitamin C.
  • The name "rugosa" refers to the deeply wrinkled, quilted surface of its leaves.
  • It tolerates salt spray so well that it is planted for dune stabilization on coastlines.
  • It spreads aggressively by suckers and is listed as invasive in parts of northern Europe and North America.

Common problems

    • Remove and destroy fallen leaves
    • Water at base in morning
    • Apply fungicide when spots appear
    • Plant resistant varieties
    • Blast off with strong water spray
    • Encourage ladybugs and lacewings
    • Use insecticidal soap if heavy
    • Space plants for good airflow
    • Prune out crowded stems
    • Apply sulfur or neem spray
    • Hand-pick beetles into soapy water
    • Avoid pheromone traps near roses