Rosa virginiana is a hardy native rose with fragrant single pink blooms and red fall foliage. It produces ornamental hips that persist into winter, supporting birds and wildlife. It forms thickets in sunny areas and is well suited for naturalistic borders, meadows, and restoration plantings.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: June to July
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to sandy soils; tolerates poor soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent watering
Deer Resistance: Moderate; some browsing may occur
Native Status
Native to eastern North America, Rosa virginiana is found along fields, shorelines, and disturbed areas.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides nectar and host value to species such as the Spring Azure and various Hairstreaks.
Bees
- Supports a range of native bees including mining bees and bumblebees.
Birds
- Birds such as American Robins, Northern Cardinals, and Cedar Waxwings feed on the hips in fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 5 - 6 ft apart to allow thickets to form and support wildlife nesting.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for hedgerows, borders, and wildlife gardens where it provides visual interest and habitat value year round.
Companion Plants
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Short Toothed Mountain Mint) - Aromatic and pollinator rich, thrives in similar conditions.
- Solidago rugosa (Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod) - Complements summer bloom with fall color and pollinator value.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds orange blooms and supports butterflies alongside native roses.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Offers structure and seasonal interest with Rosa’s fall foliage.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides mid summer blooms and seed heads for birds.