Not all of our “Best” ornamentals come from the Orient, and this beautiful native American rose is proof of that.
A native from Newfoundland to Virginia and westward to Missouri, roses will grow almost anywhere if a reasonable amount of nutrients and moisture are in the soil.
When roses are mentioned, many gardeners think only of the hybrid teas and perpetuals, overlooking the natives, which require far less attention and frequently lend beauty to the garden for a considerably longer period.
Such a rose is Rosa Virginiana.
Rosa Virginiana Trimming
Our Virginia rose must be sprayed or dusted for diseases or insect pests.
Although it may grow as high as 6′ feet, it can be kept to 4′ feet with a little trimming of the tops, and trimming makes the plant much more dense and robust.
The single pink flowers, which appear in mid-June, are over 2″ inches in diameter.
Rosa Virginiana As An Ornamental Interest
There is a white-flowered variety that is almost impossible to find in nursery catalogs, but it is hoped to become available soon.
The flowers of Virginia rose are usually borne in the greatest profusion and are followed by small red fruits that are colorful all fall and far into the winter.
But this is not all!
Each fall, the lustrous green foliage turns to brilliant orange-scarlet.
During the winter, the vigorous young twigs are red and colorful.
Thus the Virginia rose has an ornamental interest in the landscape every season of the year.
Rosa Virginiana Can Be Grown Anywhere
Although this plant can be grown as a single specimen, the beauty of its flowers is surpassed by other roses.
However, if grown in a mass or border, it really comes into its own.
A word of caution must be given, for it spreads rapidly by underground stems in a situation where the soil is just right.
If planted by a paved walk, it can easily be kept within bounds.
However, sometimes it may be actually improved if it is cut to the ground with a brush scythe or a cycle bar mower.
Our border is treated this way every few years, and if the cutting is done early in the spring before the leaves appear, the plants will have sufficient time to produce a few flowers that same year.