Austrian Copper Rose: A Tough, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Xeriscapes

For two weeks in mid- to late spring, Austrian Copper rose (Rosa foetida 'Bicolor') erupts in a blaze of 2- to 3-inch coppery-red blooms with a strong, spicy fragrance. A second, lighter flush may appear in late summer on this 4- to 6-foot shrub.

Why It's a Xeriscape Star

• Thrives in full sun and heat.
• Extremely drought-tolerant—needs no supplemental irrigation except in arid zones (twice-monthly soakings suffice).
• Hardy in all Sunset Southwest zones (1, 2, 10–13) with minimal winter dieback.

Care Notes

Prune dead canes at spring bud break. Overwatering or crowding can trigger black spot, causing midsummer leaf drop. Rake and dispose of fallen leaves; new foliage often reappears in fall. Container plants available from High Country Roses (www.highcountryroses.com, 800-552-2082), Jensen, UT.