Ground-Cover Roses: Low-Maintenance Beauty for Slopes and Beds

In recent years, breeders have developed low-growing shrub roses—typically reaching about 2 feet tall—that are vigorous, disease-resistant, and long-blooming. These roses are perfect for covering slopes or forming a traffic-proof carpet on level ground.

Top Varieties

Four excellent choices include 'Flower Carpet' (clusters of semi-double dark pink flowers), 'White Flower Carpet' (pure white blooms), 'Magic Carpet' (profuse clusters of small, semi-double lilac-pink blossoms), and 'Red Ribbons' (clustered semi-double flowers in lipstick red). Many other varieties are available; consult a specialty catalog for complete listings. These roses grow in all zones but need winter protection in the coldest areas. Space plants 8 feet apart.

Species and Hybrids

Among species ground-cover roses is Rosa wichuraiana, known as memorial rose. It's deciduous in Zones 3, 34, 35, and 39, but evergreen or semi-evergreen in Zones 4–32. Trailing, prostrate stems root when they contact moist soil, spreading 10 to 12 feet in a single season. Single white flowers bloom only in late spring. Several hybrids between this species and various garden roses also make useful ground covers, including 'Alberic Barbier' (creamy white flowers) and 'Max Graf' (large pink blooms). Plant R. wichuraiana and its hybrids 10 feet apart.

Quick Facts

• Evergreen, semi-deciduous, or deciduous shrubby ground cover
• Zones vary by variety
• Full sun
• Regular water