Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Acidic to neutral
Mature Height 2-3 feet
Maintenance Level High maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet tall.
  • Mature Width: 3 to 4 feet wide.
  • With its spreading, bushy habit, Ruby™ is ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a flowering ground cover.
Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Red
Ornamental Berries Red berries
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant No
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction
  • Wildlife: Rosa Vigorosa® Ruby™ attracts beneficial wildlife.
  • Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the continuous blooms, making this rose a great addition to pollinator gardens.
  • Deer & Rabbit Resistance: While not fully deer-resistant, the thorny stems help deter browsing animals like deer and rabbits.
Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality
  • Seasonality: Deciduous, losing its leaves in winter and regrowing in spring.
  • Blooming Season: Ruby™ blooms from late spring through fall, with continuous flower production throughout the season.
  • Winter Dormancy: In colder climates, the plant goes dormant in winter and reemerges in spring with fresh growth
Ideal For
  • Groundcover Planting
    With its spreading habit (about 2–3 ft wide and 1.5–2 ft tall), it's excellent for filling in garden spaces, suppressing weeds, and adding vibrant red color.
  • Edging & Borders
    Ideal for the front of mixed borders or along walkways, where its compact form and profuse blooms provide a neat, colorful edge.
  • Mass Planting
    Works well in groupings for dramatic seasonal color, especially in formal beds or public landscapes.
  • Containers
    Suitable for pots and patio containers where space is limited but long-season color is desired.
  • Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
    The bright red blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollination and garden biodiversity.

Leaf Description
  • The foliage is glossy, dark green, and disease-resistant, providing an attractive contrast to the deep red flowers.
  • Leaves are compound, with 5 to 7 serrated leaflets per stem, maintaining their healthy appearance throughout the growing season.
  • The foliage remains attractive and resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew.
Flower Description
  • The flowers are small but produced in large clusters, featuring rich, velvety ruby-red petals that make a bold statement in the garden.
  • Each bloom is semi-double, measuring about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and is slightly fragrant.
  • The flowers bloom in flushes throughout the growing season, creating a dense display of color.
Pruning & Maintenance

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy, compact shape. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Maintenance: This rose is relatively low-maintenance. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
Water Needs

Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
  • Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Light Needs

  • Full sun is essential for optimal flowering and growth. Ruby™ requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • While it tolerates some light shade, full sun ensures the best flower production.
Harvesting

For Cut Flowers

  • Best Time: Early morning when flowers are partially open.
  • Technique: Use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a healthy leaf node, encouraging continued growth.
  • Aftercare: Strip lower foliage, place stems in clean water, and keep arrangements out of direct sunlight.

For Rose Hips

  • Development: Allow some blooms to fade naturally by avoiding deadheading in late summer.
  • Ripeness: Hips mature by fall, turning reddish and firm.
  • Harvesting: Cut hips with sharp pruners, avoiding soft or underdeveloped fruit.
  • Use: Rose hips can be used for decorative purposes or to make teas, syrups, and other herbal preparations.
Fertilizing

Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring when new growth begins. Continue feeding every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to support continuous blooming. Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the plant to harden off for winter.

Additional Care Tips
  • Pests & Diseases: Vigorosa® Ruby™ is highly resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, making it a reliable choice for disease-prone gardens. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, but treat them with insecticidal soap if necessary.
  • Cold & Heat Tolerance: Hardy to USDA Zone 5, Ruby™ tolerates cold winters and performs well in both cooler and warmer climates. In hot climates, ensure it gets adequate water to prevent stress.
  • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Ruby™ is relatively drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering during dry spells.
Pollination

Ruby™ is pollinated by bees and other insects, with its showy, fragrant blooms drawing pollinators throughout the season.

Companion Plants

Nepeta (Catmint) – Soft, lavender-blue flowers and a mounded habit pair well with the vibrant red blooms.

Lavandula (Lavender) – Aromatic, purple spikes complement red roses and deter pests.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Adds colorful, textured foliage underneath or near the rose.

Salvia nemorosa – Vertical spikes in blue or violet enhance contrast and structure.

Sedum (Stonecrop) – Especially low-growing varieties balance out the rose's shape and thrive in similar conditions.

Flowering and Seasonality
  • Seasonality: Deciduous, losing its leaves in winter and regrowing in spring.
  • Blooming Season: Ruby™ blooms from late spring through fall, with continuous flower production throughout the season.
  • Winter Dormancy: In colder climates, the plant goes dormant in winter and reemerges in spring with fresh growth
  • The flowers are small but produced in large clusters, featuring rich, velvety ruby-red petals that make a bold statement in the garden.
  • Each bloom is semi-double, measuring about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and is slightly fragrant.
  • The flowers bloom in flushes throughout the growing season, creating a dense display of color.
Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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