Photo: Dmitriy BochkovCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rugosa Rose Plant Care
Rosa rugosa Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its crinkled, dark green leaves and large, fragrant pink flowers, this plant originates from eastern Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its hardiness, disease resistance, and ability to attract pollinators.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rugosa Rose?
Water Rugosa Rose every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Rugosa Rose Native To?
What Is the Rugosa Rose?
Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Rugosa Rose is native to eastern Asia, in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia. Rugosa Rose is also known as Japanese Rose, Beach Rose, Ramanas Rose.
Rugosa Rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Rugosa Rose produces the flowers of "rosa rugosa" are typically large and fragrant, coming in shades of pink or white..
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rugosa Rose?
Rosa rugosa requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rugosa Rose Need?
Rugosa Rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rugosa Rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rugosa Rose Prefer?
Rosa rugosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Rugosa Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rugosa Rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Rugosa Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rugosa Rose?
Feed Rugosa Rose every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rugosa Rose?
"Rosa rugosa" should be repotted every 2-3 years in early spring.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rugosa Rose?
Rugosa Rose can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rugosa Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rugosa Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rugosa Rose?
Rugosa Rose is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rugosa Rose Need?
Rugosa Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a. Rugosa Rose is native to eastern Asia, in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Rugosa Rose is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rosa genus — compare its care with other Rosa species on PlantoScan.
Rosa is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Rugosa Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rosa Species
Other Rosa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rosa rugosa Thunb., family Rosaceae (first published in Fl. Jap. (Thunberg) 213. 1784 [Aug 1784]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rugosa Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Dmitriy Bochkov, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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