Few rose lovers realize how versatile shrub roses can be. The value and use of the popular bedding type roses are well known, but other members of the rose family deserve more consideration for decorative garden purposes.
Shrub Roses
The species, the old roses, and a few moderns are titled “Shrub Roses.” Indeed they are far superior to many of the shrubs we have used. It isn’t easy to understand why their value as landscape material has never been fully appreciated.
The various members of this group bear blossoms of every color known to rosedom – white, yellow, all shades of pink, red, crimson, purple, and some are interestingly striped and variegated.
Practically all are sturdy, hardy shrubs, intensely fragrant, and not too particular soil or location. Some will thrive in swampy areas, and roses grow best in soil that would support but few other shrubs.
Related: Roses as Shrubs
“Wild Roses”
The wild roses of the world are referred to as species roses so that they may be distinguished from the hybrid or garden roses.
At one time, they were thought to be only of botanical value, but the public has become aware of their considerable horticultural value over the years. Like most flowering shrubs, the majority bloom but once a year.
However, many of them produce an abundance of seed pods or hips of various colors, thus prolonging their period of attractiveness well into the winter. The freely produced blossoms are usually single and denote a simplicity and beauty that is lacking in most of our modern roses.
Old Fashion Roses A Bit More Exacting
The old-fashioned roses are a bit more exacting than the species in their soil requirements but considerably less so than modern ones.
They constitute the link between the roses of the field and those of the modern garden and are ideal for that in-between spot for which the species are too vigorous and the hybrid teas not sufficiently sturdy.
We have had several additions to the list of shrub roses during the past few years – the hybrid musks, hybrid spinosissimas, and others of more complex parentage.
Some rival the hybrid teas in the perfection of blossom, repeating bloom all summer, and are pretty hardy and robust.
In these various groups, many desirable rose family members could be planted to advantage as background material, used on the border, or to form an impenetrable and attractive hedge. Several could be placed as specimens in the formal garden.
The species of roses offer possibilities for naturalizing. Most of them will thrive in poor soil and under adverse conditions. they will be valuable in covering spots where other shrubs could not exist.
Here are a few of the better known available from nurserymen.
Rose Species
Rosa Carolina is ideal for naturalizing as it spreads rapidly and is attractive in growth, foliage, blossoms (bright pink), and hips. Rosa Nitida is somewhat similar but rarely exceeds two feet tall; the former attains 3′ to 6′ feet.
Rosa Palustris naturalizes well in swampy locations and reaches 8’ feet. The 2″ inch pink blossoms are produced over a long period.
Rosa Spinosissima is difficult to surpass as a compact, low-growing hedge. It is not particular as to soil. The relatively small white blossoms seem to cover the very thorny canes. Hips are black, and there are many of them. Naturalizes well or can be kept sheared to a height lower than its standard 3’ feet.
Rosa Altaica is a Siberian form of the former and grows to 8’ feet. It is exceptionally hardy and produces large white blossoms and black hips on an attractive well-formed plant. It can be developed as a specimen.
The rugosa roses, Rosa Rugosa, are very much at home in various soils and appear to do equally well in sandy or heavy clay soils. The flowers of the species are quite large, white, pink, or deep rose, and are followed by large red hips. Foliage is very heavy and coarse. A long-lived, 6’ foot shrub rose.
Rosa Hugonis (Golden Rose of China) is probably the best known of all rose species. In early May, the bright yellow blossoms are produced along the arching 6′ to 8′ foot canes. It prefers impoverished soil.
Rosa primula is similar in blossom form, color, and season but rarely exceeds 5’ feet in height. The plant is more rigid in growth and prefers better soil.
Rosa Rubrifolia, the red-leaved rose, offers a pleasing contrast. The blossoms are small and unimportant, but the reddish foliage is attractive. It grows 6′ feet high.
Rosa Moyesii is somewhat temperamental in the habit of growth. It may be either gorgeous or mediocre, but it is worth trying. The blood-red flowers, attractive foliage, and exciting seed hips make it worth the gamble. Under ideal conditions, it will attain 10 feet but rarely exceeds 6′ feet.
Rosa Multiflora resembles the wild blackberry in the size and color of its blossoms but produces so many of them that it is very desirable and attractive as a large shrub. Many small, red seed hips that persist all winter or until eaten by the birds add much to their value.
Originally used as an understock, it is famous for woodland planting and hedge fencing. Will “turn” cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs and forms a good game cover.
Rosa Roxburghii grows to 8’ feet. The large, pale pink blossoms are followed by very prickly hips that resemble chestnut burrs. The bark is similar to that of the sycamore. Foliage is excellent.
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