A Rose with Handsome Foliage that Grows Well in the Shade.
From the mountains of central and southern Europe comes an exceptional rose - the Rosa glauca, also known as rubrifolia. Introduced into England around 1830, this species rose is known for its unique and stunning foliage and small rosehips that remain through the winter--unlike most roses, which are known only for their blooms. The foliage is dusty mauve in the sun and grayish mauve in the shade - especially beautiful in cut arrangements. And it's almost thornless too! With mauve canes to enhance to the beauty of this shrub rose, you can add a unique interest to your garden, especially in winter.
Rosa glauca's beautiful blooms are a match with the foliage. The single, one-inch, star-shaped blossoms are dark pink with white centers and gold stamens in early summer. They are followed by small oval, orange-red hips in autumn.
This upright shrub arches when its branches become loaded with flowers and can be used almost anywhere on your landscape. Its branches can reach up to ten feet tall - let them arch or take advantage of the long stems and train it as a climbing rose.
Rosa glauca will bloom on both old and new wood, so prune only when it has finished flowering for the season. This is a beautiful, easy to care for shrub that will bring you joy all year long, whether outdoors or as part of an intriguing flower arrangement.
Shade-tolerant shrubs with foliage in hues of grey are very scarce indeed, as are shade tolerant shrubs that bloom pink in the summer. Rosa glauca has not only the foliage color, but also a graceful habit that adds informal charm to the shade garden.
Planting and Care
- Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Plant in full sun to moderate shade
- Fertilize with Rose-Tone at planting and feed once a month during growing season
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Hardy in zones 2-9
- Very resistant to black spot and mildew.
About the Author
Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America's preeminent nurseries.
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