Roseraie de l'Hay Hybrid Rugosa Rose: Rugged Fragrant Beauty

The Roseraie de l'Hay hybrid rugosa rose, introduced in 1901 by Gravereaux (also known as Old Rosemary), is a supremely tough, disease-free shrub with large, fully double, magenta-purple flowers and the intense, sweet fragrance typical of rugosas. Also a synonym for Rosa rugosa.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Cultivar: 'Roseraie de l'Hay'
Additional names: Old Rosemary
Hybridized by: Gravereaux
Registered/Introduced: 1901
Synonym: Rosa rugosa

Rugosa roses are renowned for their wrinkled foliage, thorny stems, and exceptional hardiness.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Dense, suckering shrub 4–6 feet. Wrinkled, leathery, disease-free foliage. Flowers 3–4 inches, magenta-purple, fully double. Intense, sweet fragrance. Repeat bloom. Large, tomato-like hips.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable, even poor/sandy/salty.
• Watering: Drought tolerant.
• Pruning: Minimal; remove dead wood.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9.

Landscape Uses

Hedges, coastal gardens, wildlife plantings, low-maintenance landscapes. The hips are edible and ornamental.