shrub

Eglantine Rose

Rosa rubiginosa 'Red Beauty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa rubiginosa is a large species rose known for its single pink flowers and distinctive apple-scented foliage.

Valued for its fragrant foliage, especially after rain, and its bright red hips in autumn which provide food for birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesRed Beauty offers stunning, fragrant red blooms that enhance garden aesthetics and attract pollinators.
Practical UsesProvides a natural hedge for privacy and windbreaks with its dense, silvery foliage.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
SpeciesRosa rubiginosaSweet Briar Rose

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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F
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A
M
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J
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck well-draining soil around roots and water thoroughly.
  2. Plant in full sun for optimal flowering and health.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  4. Prune after blooming to shape and remove dead wood.
  5. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Fertilize with balanced rose fertilizer every 6 weeks during growing season.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply at the base during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune in early spring to encourage new growth
  • Apply balanced fertilizer during active growing season
  • Monitor regularly for pests and treat promptly

Don't

  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues ❌
  • Don’t ignore dead or diseased branches
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause weak stems
  • Do not plant in poorly drained soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant hedge with silvery foliageClimbing vine for trellises and arborsDecorative border with vibrant blooms

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaCatmint Alliums Geraniums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eglantine Rose questions

What zones can Eglantine Rose grow in?

Eglantine Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eglantine Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Eglantine Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Eglantine Rose bloom?

Eglantine Rose typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eglantine Rose need full sun?

Eglantine Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Eglantine Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eglantine Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Eglantine Rose with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.