How to Grow Rosa Rugosa in Southern California

Site Selection

• The climate of Southern California varies widely from mild coastal areas to scorching desert and high mountain peaks. The rugosa rose is such an adaptable species that it can find a niche in any of these landscapes. It is more shade-tolerant than most roses, and in the hot interior deserts of Southern California, it prefers to be located in part sun only. Along the coast, full sun or part shade is fine, and it can even be planted alongside the ocean, as it is tolerant of sandy soils and salt air. It also thrives in cold climates and grows robustly in the mountainous parts of Southern California, as well.

Soils

• The rugosa rose is as adaptable to soil type as it is to climate. Like almost any plant, it will grow perfectly in rich garden loams, but the beauty of this species is its ability to grow where other roses would fail. Many regions of Southern California have dry, rocky and infertile soils that are tough on many plants, but the rugosa rose performs well under those circumstances. It prefers soils with a slightly acidic pH but is tolerant of the alkaline soils of the desert. Heavy clays are also suitable for the rugosa rose, though it should be planted on a slight slope or berm if drainage is poor.

Care and Management

• The rugosa rose is immune to most of the pests and diseases that commonly afflict roses, but powdery mildew can be a problem in wet sites. This is unlikely in the dry air of Southern California but can occur as a result of overwatering or in heavy shade. These hardy roses do need irrigation to get established, but once a root system develops, they will spread rampantly through underground stems. For this reason, they are best planted with room to grow and are ideal for wildlife plantings and other naturalized areas. To keep the rugosa rose looking its best, cut the canes back to 18 inches from ground level each winter.

Varieties

• The variety "Frau Dagmar Hastrup" is especially fragrant with light pink flowers and nice fall foliage. Its large, edible rose hips are also very showy and will persist through winter if they're not harvested. "Alboplena" has beautiful double white flowers but does not produce fruit. "Hansa" has purplish-red semidouble flowers with orange and red foliage in the fall. "Therese Bugnet" is a double pink cultivar that is especially pretty but does not exhibit the same level of disease resistance as other varieties.