outside in the garden

Saturday, April 29, 2006

 

Rosa rugosa

Rugosa, I guess, is the "wild" rose you see along the coast. The online Rose Magazine has quite a bit of information on this plant- more than the seed catalogs that offer them for sale.

For a first time Rugosa grower, I would recommend Hansa (picture above), a 1905 introduction which produces brilliant red-purple, extremely fragrant blooms. It is comparatively small growing (4 - 5ft./1.2-1.5 m). In fall, it produces red-orange hips suitable for making rosehip jams or jellies that is, if you can get to them before the birds do.

Palema 9:36 PM