Hybrid Rugosa Rose 'Hansa'

This rose needs nothing... no sprays, mine thrives in very sandy loam soil with no fertilization. In my gardens, if it doesn't survive wi...Read Morenter with no extra protection, its not a keeper. Hansa has very little to no winter die back for me in zone 5. In June hansa is covered in blossoms that bees love. The color is similar dark pink "rose" color to my John Cabot and ramblin red roses. Makes for a sea of rose color in June. Mine stays about 3' tall and 4' wide. Spreads very mildly and easy to control. Fits in great at back of perennial garden. When the perennials grow taller, they mostly block the now finished blooming Hansa which does not repeat bloom but keeps nice red hips all summer long. Looks nice all season. I think it looks best tucked into a border.

Although my irrigation system caused some fungal problems, this plant has been a trooper. The only roses in the beds that are rabbit, mou...Read Morese proof AND repeat all summer with minimal care. I collect the beautiful hips early in the season for jelly, tea and chutneys, but leave the fall hips for the winter critters. They do try to spread out it you don't keep them groomed (runners, suckers)

I planted two Hansas at my fiist house. I knew little about gardening, and did not treat them with care. They flourished anyway. The soil...Read More was all clay, and I planted one in full sun, and one in a wet area that had partial shade. The one in the wet area didn't grow so I dug it up and plopped it in a drier spot (still partially shaded), and it flourished. The first year after the transplant it didn't bloom, but instead got big and bushy. The following year, thoughy, it out blossomed the one baking in direct sun. Last summer I dug up a small clump of it, and brought it with me to my new home (I now have good soil), and it's taking off. I already have four beautiful flowers.

For those of you living along the ocean, this is the rose for you. Actually, any of the rugosa roses wil bring you loads of flowers, and ...Read Morea fragrance that can't be beat. They grow quite prolifically in sandy soil, and wind swept areas. Our local beach is a sight to see when miles of them are all in bloom. The perfume at night on a warm summer eve is an experience that will linger in your memory.
For wine makers or canning enthusiasts, you may want to search out large stands of these, as they produce large, wonderful rose hips that make delightful wine and jellies loaded with vitamin C.
Warning! The thorns are ruthless.
I will be trying this variety this year as a screening for the back of my garden that abutts a field. We are quite close to a marsh and get ferocious winds. Will update this post as it matures.