Rosa Rugosa

The potato rose was introduced from Japan as early as 1796. Numerous hybrids have emerged from it that are excellently suited as hedges.

Many of these very sturdy shrubs are repeat-flowering and strongly fragrant. They are good rose hip roses with plenty of flesh, which are also gladly used for preserving or for tea. Because of these striking fruits they are often also called apple rose. The deep green, thick leaves, some with beautiful autumn colouring, bear a great resemblance to those of potatoes. Classifying an unknown rose as a rugosa hybrid is therefore relatively easy. 

Rosa rugosa and its hybrids are extremely robust, undemanding and frost-hardy. They are also suitable for sandy soil, and even salty locations and other problematic soil conditions are tolerated. When planted deep, suckers form quite quickly - if this is not desired, a root barrier helps.

Because of these excellent properties and their easy care, rugosa roses are often seen in public spaces as windbreaks, on green strips or on dunes. A classic use is also the Friesenwall (Frisian earth bank). Because of its widespread occurrence on Sylt, the potato rose is colloquially also called 'Sylt rose' in the far north, and further south 'dune rose'.

As an ornamental plant in the garden, Rosa rugosa and its strongly fragrant hybrids are especially suitable for sites with plenty of space where low maintenance is desired. They are also gladly used above all for large-scale greening or in a rose hedge. As a specimen plant or in locations with limited space, a root barrier is recommended.