Swamp rose (Rosa palustris var. scandens) ROE-sah pah-LUSS-tris variety SKAN-denz Synonyms:  R. palustris 'Scandens' Genus:  Rosa 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 Characteristics:  R. 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.  Care:  Grow 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. Propagation:  Take softwood cuttings when bloom initiates in spring to summer; take hardwood cuttings in fall. Problems:  Aphids, 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.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Hedge, Naturalizing, Waterside Style Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs