shrubN. America Native

Swamp Rose

Name: Swamp Rose
Brand: Rosa
Availability: InStock

Rosa palustris

$34.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but hips contain irritating hairs

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa palustris is a native North American rose species found in wetlands and along stream banks. It forms a thicket of arching, thorny stems and bears fragrant, single pink flowers followed by red hips. As a species plant, its primary distinction is its exceptional tolerance for wet, boggy soils where few other roses would survive, making it perfect for naturalizing in rain gardens and at pond edges.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Swamp Rose offers a charming, wild beauty with its fragrant single pink flowers in summer and bright red hips that persist into winter. Its arching form is graceful in a naturalistic setting.

It is an excellent plant for erosion control on wet slopes, stream banks, and shorelines. Its thorny, thicket-forming habit creates an effective barrier for directing foot traffic or wildlife.

As a native species, it is a powerhouse for wildlife. The flowers are visited by numerous native bees. The hips provide food for birds and mammals through the fall and winter, and the dense thickets offer nesting sites and cover.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Antique Rose Emporium

In Stock$34.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with consistently moist or wet soil.
Dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the pot.
Amend heavy clay with compost to improve structure.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill, and water deeply.
Do not let the soil dry out, especially during establishment.
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

Pro Tip

Embrace its natural suckering habit in a suitable wet area to form a beautiful, wildlife-supporting thicket.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of water; this rose loves 'wet feet'.
Plant in full sun for the best flowering and disease resistance.
Allow it to spread and form a thicket where space allows.
Prune out the oldest canes every few years to rejuvenate the plant.

Don't

Do not plant in dry soil; it will not survive.
Avoid using strong chemical sprays that can harm pollinators.
Don't expect a tidy, formal habit; it's a wild rose.
Don't remove the spent flowers if you want to enjoy the red hips in fall.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ideal for stabilizing moist stream banksNaturalistic planting for pond edges and bogsWildlife-friendly hedge in damp locations

Companion Plants

Asclepias incarnata Hibiscus moscheutos Lobelia cardinalis Eupatorium maculatum Iris versicolor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Swamp Rose questions

What zones can Swamp Rose grow in?

Swamp Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Swamp Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Swamp Rose bloom?

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

Does Swamp Rose need full sun?

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