Rosa rugosa 'Alba'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Wildlife: The large, orange-red rose hips attract birds and small mammals in the fall and winter, providing food. Deer-resistant due to its thorny stems.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer, with repeat blooms through summer (May to September)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7

Cottage and Heritage Gardens
With its classic, old-world charm and gentle color palette, Rosa alba is perfect for informal, romantic garden designs.

Hedging and Screens
Reaching up to 5–7 feet tall, it makes a beautiful informal hedge or privacy screen, especially when allowed to grow naturally.

Wildlife and Pollinator Gardens
Its simple, open flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, while the rose hips provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Background Planting
Ideal as a backdrop in mixed borders, where its height and soft flower color can anchor a layered planting design.

Low-Maintenance Landscapes
Exceptionally disease resistant and cold-hardy, Rosa alba thrives with minimal care in zones 3–8, making it ideal for rugged or rural settings.

• Color: Dark green, glossy, and deeply veined, providing a lush background for the white flowers.
• Shape: Pinnate leaves with 5-9 leaflets, serrated edges, and a slightly wrinkled texture typical of rugosa roses.
• Size: Leaves grow 3-6 inches long, creating a dense, attractive canopy.

• Color: Pure white, single to semi-double flowers with bright yellow stamens.
• Bloom Time: Flowers appear in late spring with repeat blooms throughout summer.
• Size of Blooms: Each bloom measures about 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Fragrance: Highly fragrant, with a sweet, clove-like scent.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall, allowing the plant to establish before extreme weather.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Highly tolerant of poor, sandy, or even salty soils, making it perfect for coastal areas.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow room for growth and air circulation.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is just below soil level.

• Pruning Needs: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood. After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming, although this is not necessary for healthy growth.
• Winter Care: 'Alba' is extremely cold-hardy and does not require special winter care. Its dense, thorny stems provide winter interest, and the hips can be left on the plant for added seasonal beauty.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
• Drought Tolerance: Very drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture during the growing season.

Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day) for best flowering and overall health.

• When to Harvest: Flowers can be harvested in full bloom for bouquets. Rose hips can be harvested in late fall for use in teas, jams, or ornamental displays.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut flower stems just above a set of leaves. Harvest hips once they have turned bright orange-red and are slightly soft.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring when new growth appears and again after the first bloom to encourage repeat flowering.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pests: 'Alba' is highly resistant to common rose pests like aphids and Japanese beetles, though minor issues may arise. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Disease: Rugosa roses are naturally resistant to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust, making them a low-maintenance option for disease-prone areas.

Rosa rugosa 'Alba' is self-pollinating but attracts bees and other pollinators with its fragrant blooms. Its hips provide seeds for birds and wildlife in the fall, adding an extra layer of ecological value.

Pair Rosa alba with plants that enhance its delicate beauty or bloom at complementary times:

• Lavender (Lavandula) – The purple tones and fragrant foliage contrast beautifully with white or blush roses.
  
• Catmint (Nepeta) – Mounding habit and long bloom period harmonize with the airy rose structure.
  
• Foxglove (Digitalis) – Adds vertical drama behind or beside the rose’s graceful arching stems.
  
• Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) – Its chartreuse blooms and scalloped leaves make a soft-edged groundcover beneath the rose.
  
• Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) – Offers spiky purple-blue blooms that extend color through summer.
  
• Campanula (Bellflower) – Adds a whimsical texture with blue or purple bell-shaped flowers.
  
• Ornamental grasses – Soft, flowing grasses like deschampsia or panicum complement the naturalistic habit of Rosa alba.