Rosa rugosa 'Rubra'

• Pollinators: The fragrant flowers of 'Rubra' attract a wide range of pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. This makes it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
  
  Birds: After flowering, the plant produces vibrant rose hips, which are rich in nutrients and serve as a food source for birds during the fall and winter.

• Spring to Summer: 'Rubra' begins blooming in late spring, typically in May or June, with its signature magenta-pink flowers. The blooms create a stunning visual display and emit a sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators and garden visitors.
  
• Fall: After the main flowering period, the plant may produce rose hips, which are vibrant red in color and provide a stunning contrast to the remaining foliage. These rose hips also provide food for birds during the fall and winter.
  
• Winter: In winter, 'Rubra' enters dormancy, shedding its leaves. Its strong, bushy structure provides winter interest, especially when dusted with snow or frost.
  
  

• Leaves: The foliage of 'Rubra' is dark green, leathery, and glossy, creating a lush backdrop to the flowers. The leaves are wrinkled, a signature trait of the Rugosa rose family, and contribute to its unique texture.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the leaves of 'Rubra' may turn yellow or red, adding seasonal interest before they drop for winter.
  
• Texture: The leaves are coarse and leathery, offering a textured contrast to the soft, fragrant petals.
  
  

• Flower Description: The flowers of 'Rubra' are simple, single blooms with five petals each, giving them a classic, old-fashioned rose look. They are deep magenta-pink in color, creating a vivid display in the garden. The blooms are held on dense clusters and are accompanied by a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  
  Flower Longevity: Each bloom lasts for several days to a week, and the plant continues to produce new flowers throughout the blooming season. While the plant is primarily a summer bloomer, additional flowers may appear into the fall, especially if the spent blooms are removed.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Rubra' is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. This gives the plant a chance to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the roots, then water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 3–5 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for mature growth.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Rubra' in early spring, before new growth begins, to remove dead or damaged wood. If necessary, prune back old stems that are not producing new growth.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading after the first flush of blooms will encourage new flowers and help maintain a tidy appearance. 'Rubra' is naturally bushy and does not require heavy pruning, but light shaping will help keep it compact and healthy.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: To maintain its shape and encourage continuous blooming, lightly prune throughout the growing season. Avoid heavy pruning as 'Rubra' produces flowers on both old and new wood.

• Watering: 'Rubra' prefers regular watering, especially during dry periods or its first growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Rubra' is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. However, it performs best with regular moisture, especially while it is blooming.
  
  Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, keeping the foliage dry to prevent fungal diseases like mildew.

'Rubra' thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun it receives, the more vibrant the blooms will be. It can tolerate some partial shade, but flower production may be reduced in less sunny conditions.

While primarily grown for its flowers, 'Rubra' will produce small, ornamental rose hips after blooming. These hips are rich in nutrients and can be harvested for making jams, jellies, or teas. Alternatively, they can provide food for birds in late fall and winter.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before the plant starts to show new growth. This will promote healthy foliage and abundant flowers throughout the growing season. If grown in containers, consider applying a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms. A fertilizer with more balanced nutrients (higher in phosphorus) will support flower production.

• 'Rubra' is self-pollinating, so it does not require another rose plant to produce flowers. However, planting it near other pollinator-friendly plants can improve overall pollination and flower production.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Salvia, or Echinacea for added color and texture.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other hardy shrubs such as Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum to create a layered, multi-textured landscape.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope will provide contrast beneath the rose's bushy form, enhancing the overall garden design.