Scabrosa Rose Rosa 'Scabrosa' (Ru)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Scabrosa', commonly known as a type of shrub rose, is a bushy, deciduous plant known for its distinct and appealing appearance. The flowers of this rose are particularly noticeable, featuring a single layer of large, lavender-pink petals that offer a relaxed, open look. These petals surround prominent golden-yellow stamens that stand out against the softer color of the petals, providing a striking contrast that draws the eye. The blooms are renowned for their strong, delightful fragrance, which adds to the sensory experience of the plant. Beyond the flowers, the foliage of Rosa 'Scabrosa' is also worth mentioning. The leaves are a rich green color, with a slightly textured surface, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. This foliage contributes to a sense of fullness and vitality in the plant's overall appearance. Additionally, the Rosa 'Scabrosa' sports reddish-purple colored stems that hold both the leaves and flowers, weaving a touch of additional color into the visual palette of the plant. The stems are equipped with thorns, a characteristic feature of roses, which provide a protective element as well as an added texture. As the season progresses, the flowers of Rosa 'Scabrosa' may give way to round, orange-red hips that persist into the winter, offering a new aspect of interest and a source of food for wildlife during the colder months. Overall, Rosa 'Scabrosa' is appreciated for its natural, informal look and its ability to provide color and fragrance in a garden setting, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Rugosa Rose, Scabrosa Rugosa Rose, Japanese Rose, Ramanas Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Scabrosa' (Ru).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly referred to as Rose (Rosa 'Scabrosa') is not toxic to humans. It is considered generally safe if any part is accidentally ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild discomfort or reactions.
To pets
Roses, including Rosa 'Scabrosa', are generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of a rose plant might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous plant material, but there is no inherent poison or toxin in roses that would cause severe poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds beauty to the garden with its vivid colors and attractive form.
- Fragrance - Emits a pleasant scent, enhancing the sensory experience of the garden.
- Habitat for Wildlife - Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects for pollination.
- Landscape Design - Versatile in use, suitable for borders, hedging, or as a specimen plant.
- Year-Round Interest - Provides visual interest throughout the seasons with flowers and sometimes hips.
- Durability - Generally hardy and can withstand various climates and conditions.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
Medical Properties- Vitamin C source: Rosa species are generally known for their high vitamin C content, particularly in their hips, which may support immune health.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant contains antioxidants which can help in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
- Astringent effects: May be used for its astringent properties, helping to tighten and tone the skin.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Scabrosa' petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper, offering shades of pink to light red depending on the mordant used.
- The hips of Rosa 'Scabrosa' can be utilized in crafts for necklace beads or as an element in autumn wreaths and other decorations after they have dried out.
- The petals of this rose can be scattered in baths for a luxurious, fragrant bathing experience, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
- Rosa 'Scabrosa' can be employed in potpourris, often mixed with other herbs and spices, to impart a fresh, floral fragrance to rooms.
- The essential oil extracted from the petals of Rosa 'Scabrosa' is sometimes used in aromatherapy diffusers for its soothing aroma.
- Petals from Rosa 'Scabrosa' can be used as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, being both biodegradable and colorful.
- Rosa 'Scabrosa' petals can be pressed and included in personal stationary or bookmarks, adding a delicate and unique touch to correspondence or reading materials.
- The plant can be incorporated into educational gardens to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle to students in a natural setting.
- Rosa 'Scabrosa' can be trained to grow over arbors or trellises, creating living floral archways or privacy screens in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Photographers may use Rosa 'Scabrosa' as a natural backdrop for portrait photography, benefitting from its rich texture and vibrant color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rosa 'Scabrosa' or more commonly known as the Rugosa rose, is not commonly referred to in traditional Feng Shui practice, therefore it does not have specific uses within this system.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rugosa rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The rose is a universal symbol of love and affection, representing deep emotions and the bonds between people.
- Beauty: With its elegant form and captivating fragrance, the rose epitomizes beauty and perfection in the natural world.
- Honor: Roses are often used to pay tribute to achievements or to show respect and admiration for an individual's dignity.
- Devotion: The rose's association with love also extends to devotion, signifying loyalty and fidelity in relationships.
- Passion: The deep red hues of many roses evoke intense feelings of desire and passionate love.
- Secrecy: Stemming from the Latin phrase "sub rosa" (meaning "under the rose"), the rose can symbolize confidentiality and the keeping of secrets.
- Mystery: The complex structure of a rose with its hidden center can represent mystery and things that are not immediately apparent.
- Balance: The harmonious form of the rose suggests balance in life, a blend of beauty and thorns, of joy and pain.
WaterRugosa roses, like the Rosa 'Scabrosa', should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. When watering, aim for 1 inch of water, which equates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot. It's best to water these roses in the morning to allow any moisture on the foliage to dry out over the course of the day. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant to reach the roots directly.
LightThe Rosa 'Scabrosa' thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The ideal spot for planting a Rugosa rose is in an area that receives morning light and is sheltered from harsh afternoon sun in regions with extremely hot climates. However, they can tolerate some light shade without significant detriment to their blooming.
TemperatureRosa 'Scabrosa' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best in environments where the average temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. While they can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, they may require protection during prolonged cold spells. During the hot summer months, ensure that Rugosa roses are adequately watered to help maintain their optimal health around their ideal temperature range.
PruningRosa 'Scabrosa' should be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning helps encourage strong blooms and improves air circulation, which can reduce disease risks. It's advised to cut back about one-third of the oldest canes each year to promote rejuvenation. After flowering, pruning can be done to deadhead spent blooms and encourage further flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosa 'Scabrosa', commonly known as Rugosa Rose, thrives best in well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.5. The ideal soil mix should include two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Regular amendment with organic matter will keep the soil fertile and well-aerated, promoting healthy growth.
RepottingRugosa Roses, like Rosa 'Scabrosa', typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound can be beneficial. It's best to repot in early spring before the growth season starts.
Humidity & MistingRugosa Roses, such as Rosa 'Scabrosa', are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions. They can tolerate the natural humidity levels found in most outdoor environments. However, they do appreciate good air circulation, so it's best to ensure they are not planted too closely to other plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, cool temps.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, mulch, prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Scabrosa', commonly known as the Rugosa Rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring, after a period of stratification that breaks its dormancy. After the emergence of seedlings, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase characterized by the development of a deep root system and foliage. As it matures, the Rugosa Rose enters the flowering stage, which occurs repeatedly from late spring to fall, producing fragrant, large, single pink blooms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into red to orange-red rose hips (fruit), which are rich in vitamin C and can persist into the winter. The plant can also propagate vegetatively through root suckers, expanding its growth. The Rugosa Rose is a perennial shrub, entering a period of dormancy in winter before resuming its growth cycle with the return of warmer temperatures in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Scabrosa', commonly known as the Rugosa rose, is best propagated through hardwood cuttings. This method is typically done during the dormant season, from late fall to early spring when the rose is not actively growing. Take hardwood cuttings of about 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) in length from healthy, mature stems that have finished flowering. Ensure each cutting has several nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Afterward, plant the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix, leaving a couple of nodes above the soil surface. Water them in well and wait for several weeks to a few months until the cuttings have rooted and can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
