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Swamp rose

Rosa palustris var. scandens

ROE-sah pah-LUSS-tris variety SKAN-denz

This graceful and arching variety of our native swamp rose has single rosy-pink blossoms with a mild scent. It retains the disease resistance of its native ancestor, and has the added quality of being thornless. 

Noteworthy CharacteristicsR. palustris  thrives along the margins of bogs, marshes, and waterways of North America. It suckers to form a dense shrub, bearing hooked thorns and flowering once in the summer. Its reddish-orange hips provide food for wildlife. It is ideal for naturalized areas, native plantings, and wild gardens. 

CareGrow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Provide good air circulation and remove fallen leaves to help prevent disease. Prune lightly or back by up to one-third, reducing side shoots by one-half to one-third. To renovate, prune one in four or five shoots at the base.

PropagationTake softwood cuttings when bloom initiates in spring to summer; take hardwood cuttings in fall.

ProblemsAphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, scale, caterpillars, sawfly larvae, cane borers, Japanese beetles, rose stem girders, rose midges, rose slugs, rose chafers, leaf-cutting bees, black spot, rust, powdery mildew, crown gall, canker, dieback, downy mildew, viruses.

  • Genus : Rosa
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fruit
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium to Wet
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

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