Rugosa rosa is native from Japan, northern China and Korea where it was grown as a garden shrub before in was imported to Britain. The Japanese name is ハマナス(hamanasu), meaning "shore pear". Rugosa roses are also known in the West as Japanese Roses.
.
.
.
The exact date at which it first appeared in Britain remains unclear, but it is thought to have been introduced by the rose breeders Lee and Kennedy of Hammersmith in 1796.
The Rugosas are very different from the roses of the West, not only in appearance, but also, it seems, in character, which is indeed very Oriental.
Appearance
Rugosa roses form very vigorous and sturdy shrubs with large, purple-rose colored flowers, strong thorns and rough-textured foliage. The slightly scented flowers are followed by giant tomato-shaped hips.
Cultivation
Rugosa roses are valued by rose breeders and widely used in landscaping, being relatively hardy and resistant to diseases, such as rose rust and black spot. They are also extremely tolerant of seaside salt spray and storms, commonly being the first shrub in from the coast (hence, their many common names such as 'beach roses' and 'saltspray roses'). Rosa Rugosa is endangered as a wild plant in its home country China.
Hybridization
As an oriental wild rose, rugosas are far removed form the roses from the West and so their offspring does not always produce the expected results. It seems the hybrid almost always leans either towards the Rugosa side of the parentage, or towards the other side, but never in the middle. Problems usually occur when the hybrid leans towards the non-rugosa side of the parentage, producing rather clumsy specimens.
Rugosas are ideal for hedges or barriers, as they are quite impenetrable and grow on poor soil. They need little pruning, only thinning and removal of old and weak wood.
Popular Rugosas and Hybrid Rugosas
Rugosa Roses are a nice addition in any rose garden.
Here are some of the best Rugosas and Rugosa hybrids from which to choose:
