Growing Information

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

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Additional Information
Growth Rate

  • Speed: Fast-growing, making it an ideal groundcover rose.
  • Mature Growth: Reaches 1-2 feet tall and spreads 2-3 feet wide, forming a dense, spreading mat that provides excellent coverage for garden beds or slopes.
Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Pink
Ornamental Berries Red berries
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant No
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction
  • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the flowers for their nectar.
  • Wildlife Resistant: Thorny stems help deter deer and other browsing animals.
Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
Ideal For
  • Groundcover
  • Borders and edging
  • Mass plantings
  • Containers
  • Cottage gardens
Leaf Description
  • Color: Glossy dark green leaves.
  • Form: Compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, providing a dense, lush appearance that contrasts beautifully with the pink blooms.
  • Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow before dropping in the fall, providing a seasonal change in color.
Flower Description
  • Color: Soft pink blooms with a delicate, slightly darker pink center.
  • Form: Semi-double flowers with 10-15 petals per bloom, measuring about 2-3 inches across. Blooms appear in large clusters.
  • Bloom Time: Continuous blooming from late spring through fall, offering multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mildly fragrant, adding a soft scent to the garden.
Pruning & Maintenance

  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering.
  • Method: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape the plant. Thin out the interior to improve air circulation. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact form.
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base for winter protection.
Water Needs

  • Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells.
  • Soil Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Light Needs

  • Light Exposure: Thrives in full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for optimal flowering and plant health.
Harvesting

Harvesting Blooms

  • Timing: Harvest blooms in the early morning when temperatures are cool, and the flowers are partially open. This ensures maximum vase life and fragrance retention.
  • Technique: Use clean, sharp pruners to cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet node. This encourages healthy regrowth and continued blooming.
  • Post-Harvest Care: Immediately place cut stems in lukewarm water. Remove any foliage that would be submerged to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Rose Hips

  • Formation: To allow rose hips to develop, cease deadheading in late summer. This permits the flowers to mature into hips.
  • Maturity: Rose hips typically ripen in late summer to early fall, turning a vibrant red-orange color. Harvest when they are firm and fully colored.
  • Harvesting Tips:
  • Use gloves and pruning shears to snip hips from the plant, minimizing damage to the stems.
  • Avoid harvesting hips that are green, overly soft, or shriveled, as these may be under- or overripe.
  • Usage: Rose hips are rich in vitamin C and can be used to make teas, jams, jellies, or dried for later use.
Fertilizing

  • Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer after the first flush of blooms.
  • Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced rose fertilizer or organic slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and promote continuous blooming.
Additional Care Tips
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
  • Drought Tolerance: While roses prefer consistent moisture, Vigorosa® Sweet can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
  • Pests and Diseases: Highly resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Proper pruning, watering at the base, and good air circulation will further prevent any issues.
Pollination

  • Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. The flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from pollinator activity.
  • Rose Hips: After flowering, Rosa Vigorosa® Sweet may produce small rose hips in the fall, adding interest to the landscape and providing food for birds.
Companion Plants
  • Lavandula (Lavender)
  • Salvia
  • Nepeta (Catmint)
  • Coreopsis
Flowering and Seasonality
  • Foliage Season: Spring to fall (deciduous).
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall (May to October).
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
  • Color: Soft pink blooms with a delicate, slightly darker pink center.
  • Form: Semi-double flowers with 10-15 petals per bloom, measuring about 2-3 inches across. Blooms appear in large clusters.
  • Bloom Time: Continuous blooming from late spring through fall, offering multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season.
  • Fragrance: Mildly fragrant, adding a soft scent to the garden.
Pet Friendly

Yes

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

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