White Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa alba)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Rose

White Rugosa Rose
Rosa rugosa alba

 
Features
Species Rugosa rose with distinctive crinkled foliage. Extremely hardy. Adapts to a variety of sites and shows good salt tolerance. White flowers, 3-4 inches wide (petal count 5), strong fragrance. Fall foliage color orange/red. Large orange/red fruit display in fall/winter.  
 
Culture
Full sun, well-drained soil. Prune by the renewal method removing one-third of the oldest canes to the soil line in the spring as needed to keep the shrub open and new canes in production. Prune the stem back to a branch angle (a process called heading back) as needed to reduce width and height. 
 
Cultivars
 
 
Mature Height
5-7 Feet (Width 4 feet to 6 feet)
 
Size
Tall
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 8 
 
Bloom Color
White
 
 
Bloom Season
June - August
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Insect Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Excellent tolerance to blackspot. Watch for Japanese beetle, aphids, cane borer and rose midge.
 
Additional Notes
For best fruit display, do not deadhead. Don't use fungicides as they are phytotoxic and will result in foliage damage and loss.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic