Rosa rugosa 'Alba' is a tough fragrant shrub rose known for its pure white crinkled blooms and exceptional cold tolerance. This variety features robust upright growth with leathery heavily veined foliage that resists disease. Its fragrant flowers are followed by bright red hips that persist into winter offering ornamental interest and food for wildlife. It thrives in poor sandy soils and salty coastal conditions making it ideal for challenging sites.
Height & Spread: 48 - 72 in x 48 - 72 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to frost
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sandy or well drained soils; tolerant of poor soil
Watering Needs: Moderate once established
Deer Resistance: Somewhat resistant due to thorny stems
Native Status
Rosa rugosa is native to northeastern Asia including Japan, China, and Korea. While not native to North America, it is naturalized in coastal environments and valued for its resilience.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Single blooms provide accessible pollen and nectar to honeybees and native bumblebees throughout summer.
Butterflies
- Visited by Painted Ladies and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails for nectar especially during warm afternoons.
Birds
- Rose hips attract Cedar Waxwings and American Robins in fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 48 - 72 in apart to accommodate mature width and allow air circulation.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for coastal gardens, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife friendly hedges.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' - This upright native grass adds late season texture and fiery autumn color behind the roses.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Spiky silvery stems and lavender flowers offer a structural and tonal contrast.
- Achillea millefolium 'White Beauty' - Flat white flower clusters mirror the rose’s color and bloom in unison through summer.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' - Deep purple blooms and fragrant silvery foliage echo the rugosa’s scent and resilience.
- Amsonia hubrichtii - Airy blue star shaped flowers and fine textured foliage soften the boldness of Rosa rugosa.