This has been a week of roses and rain. The rugosas are blooming a full two weeks early … and way ahead of anyone else. Even the peonies are not quite ready. And while they are trying to be gorgeous, the rains keep coming and beating them down. I just read the weather report and there is NO rain in the forecast for the next 4 days–yes! 😍☀️🌺🌹💃
Rugosas are often referred to as “rugged roses” because they can take most any condition. They are workhorses in my garden and they will most likely grow for you too. They are recommended for growing zones 3 – 9–which takes in a good many of us. If you are growing rugosas in the deep south, I would love to hear how they do and which ones you are growing. Occasionally I hear of people having trouble in our hottest areas.
I have about 15 rugosas … Hansa, Roseraie de la Hay, Therese Bugnet, Moje Hammarberg, Belle Pointevine and Blanc Double de Coubert. They form a thorny, beautiful, fragrant backdrop. The spring bloom is the most spectacular, but they do repeat bloom if you deadhead!
Here’s what mine are doing–in between downpours!


If you turn up the volume, you can hear the birds on the video!



Here is the fist bokay of the season. It may look gloomy outside this afternoon but it’s all lovely rose fragrance inside.
Early or late, these beauties are always welcome.
COMING ATTRACTIONS…
Look at this video of Peggy Martin today … all loaded up with blooms. She’s gonna be amazing–just like her namesake! Stay tuned!
Thanks for sharing. I planted a Hansa since I left mine behind at the old house. It’s small now but planting hope for future springs. See you June 10.
Every bloom will be wonderful and will fill the garden with fragrance.
your garden and plants are way more beautiful then mine, and being so full of blooms it is going to be a showstopper.
Hi Roberta. Nice to hear from you. I hope you are having a wonderful spring!
your photos are so lovely…..I can just get the smell when I view them!!!
They are fragrant. Glad you enjoy seeing the pictures!
Your Roseaire de l’Hay is gorgeous. I wish that I could have had such success with mine. I planted two in south Louisiana and they just couldn’t seem to get traction in the heat and humidity. The leaves were the gorgeous apple green in the early spring, but once the temps and humidity arrived they defoliated. It was my understanding that they did not like being sprayed, so I didn’t. Also, the bushes never seemed to fill out and grow up, and they eventually gave up the ghost on me. However, in all fairness, despite my best efforts, I am not the most successful gardener!
You are not this first person to struggle with Rugosas in your area. Most have not been successful. But, you can grow those gorgeous Noisettes and they don’t like our cold winters! Nice to hear from you! 🌹