Virginia rose
Rosa virginiana
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall6 to 8 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Medium pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana) is a shrub for borders, hedges, pollinator gardens, and food gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its fragrant pink flowers draw butterflies, bees, and birds. The stems carry stout, curved thorns, so give it room. You can eat the rose hips fresh, make them into jams, or steep them for tea.
Pairs well with Anise hyssop, Indian grass, and Hummingbird sweet pepperbush.
Native range
Africa.