Rugosas

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!

Rain or shine, I hope you are having a wonderful

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!

As you probably know I post a lot of pictures of my rugosas and talk about them quite a bit. More than once I have blown up your feed to share blooms! 😉

I just love them. They are the main event in the spring when I’m looking for fireworks and fragrance. (More on that here.)

That first flush of spring bloom is simply amazing. However, in years past the repeat bloom has been sketchy around here. Oh, I always get a few blooms all summer long but nothing like what has been happening this year. The second flush of bloom has been amazing. While it certainly doesn’t rival the spring bloom, it has been impressive and very welcome. Tucking even one of these amazingly fragrant blooms into a bokay is a game changer and crowd pleaser.

Why all the extra blooms this year? I’m not sure. This has been a wetter season that usual–maybe they liked that.

Take a look at the repeaters.

The pollinators are totally in love with rugosas! They are everywhere. One even got a little territorial with me and gave me a bite. Owie!!! 😁🐝I forgave him and all is good. 🐝

MORE ABOUT RUGOSAS

Rugosa roses are species roses native to eastern Asia. These profuse spring bloomers are hardy in Zones 3 – 9 and in a variety of conditions: heat, cold, wind, even salty, sandy seaside conditions. Rugosas prefer full sun (6-8 hours per day) and average well-drained soil. So, with very minimal care, almost anyone, anywhere can enjoy these dependable workhorses in the garden. As for the size of those growing in my garden, Hansa, Roseraie de la Hay, Theresa Bugnet and Blanc de double Corbert are 5′ X 5′ . Moje Hammerly is 4′ X 4′ and Belle Poitevine is 4′ X 4′ too. There are other rugosas that are smaller in general … do some investigating to find the ones most suited for your location.

These rugged plants are excellent choices for the organic gardener. Their distinct wrinkled (regose) foliage is very disease resistant. I have found that the rugosas with the most wrinkled leaves are the most disease resistant. Those with smoother leaves tend to get some black spot and occasional mildew.

In my cottage garden, rugosas are the back drop and anchor for many of my flower beds. They are not fans of pruning and do best when allowed to grow and seek their own shape, so you need to give them some space.

Here are pictures from the spring bloom!

If you want to read more about rugosas, go to the American Rose Society’s website HERE.

Too darn hot!

Just checked the weather and the heat wave we are experincing this week will be gone next week. YES. I felt like Indiana was moving closer to the Equator by the minute. Whew! It has been hot!