groundcover

Memorial Rose

Rosa lucieae

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa lucieae, commonly known as the memorial rose, is a prostrate, trailing deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia that spreads via long, rooting stoloniferous stems. The glossy, dark green pinnate foliage emerges bright green in spring, providing a dense backdrop for flat-topped clusters of white flowers with prominent yellow stamens in summer.

This species is highly valued for its exceptional salt tolerance, allowing it to naturalize easily on coastal banks and sandy slopes. Following the summer bloom, the plant produces persistent red hips that serve as a food source for local birds and small mammals.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dense carpet of glossy green foliage topped with clusters of white flowers and yellow stamens in summer.

Excellent for erosion control and slope stabilization, particularly in coastal environments due to high salt tolerance.

Attracts native bees and generalist pollinators, while the persistent red hips provide food for birds and small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

24"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high once established

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Hairs inside hips can irritate if ingested raw

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic compost around the base in spring if soil fertility is low, avoiding heavy chemical fertilizers.

Pro Tip

Avoid the common mistake of pruning this species hard like a hybrid tea rose; severe winter cutting destroys its natural trailing habit and drastically reduces the summer flower display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Trim back wayward trailing stems immediately after summer flowering to maintain the desired shape.
Clear away fallen leaf debris around the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
Protect young plants from deer and rabbits using physical barriers or fencing.

Don't

Do not cut the plant back to stubby canes in winter, as this ruins its natural arching form.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining soils where waterlogged conditions can trigger root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, which recovers slowly.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion controlGroundcoverCoastal gardensSlope stabilization

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Memorial Rose questions

What zones can Memorial Rose grow in?

Memorial Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Memorial Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Memorial Rose bloom?

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

Does Memorial Rose need full sun?

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

Is Memorial Rose drought tolerant?

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