Rosa palustris var. scandens: Swamp Rose

Swamp Rose – Thornless Native for Wet Sites

Graceful arching variety of native swamp rose with single rosy-pink blossoms, mild scent. Retains disease resistance of native ancestor, added thornless quality. R. palustris thrives along bogs, marshes, waterways. Suckers to form dense shrub, hooked thorns, flowers once in summer. Reddish-orange hips feed wildlife. Ideal for naturalized areas, native plantings, wild gardens.

Culture

Fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Good air circulation, remove fallen leaves. Prune lightly or back up to 1/3, reduce side shoots 1/2–1/3. Renovate: prune 1 in 4–5 shoots at base. Propagate by softwood cuttings spring–summer, hardwood cuttings fall. Many potential pests and diseases.

Features

• Single rosy-pink fragrant flowers
• Thornless
• Native, disease resistant
• Reddish-orange hips for wildlife
• 3–6 feet tall and wide

Uses

Beds, borders, cut flowers, hedge, naturalizing, waterside in meadow gardens.