A bright red single rugosa — an ideal prickly hedge.
Thorny hedge
Main flush in early summer + sporadic repeat blooms until autumn. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
Dense, sturdy thorns → an impenetrable protective barrier
USDA zone 4b. To ≈ −32 °C; very hardy. Down to ≈ −32 °C · very winter-hardy.
Compare reference temperatures
5 petals.
Very light, slightly sweet.
Very tough; in damp regions black spot is possible.
Undemanding; tolerates poor soils.
Very prickly — the stems are densely covered with sturdy thorns ('like nails'), making the bush impenetrable.
Dark green, glossy, leathery, wrinkled (rugose).
Breeder's code KORgosa.
Bright red, scarlet
Rugosa-type and tough red roses — a natural companion for a thorny hedge.
Blue perennials bring out the bright red:
For contrast beside the red rugosa, white or blue accents:
Where to plant. A prickly protective hedge along a fence — when planted in a row it forms an impenetrable barrier. Also as a specimen plant or a barrier. Along a fence: plant no closer than ~1 m from a neighbouring bush, so the bushes have enough light and air.
Climate. Very hardy (USDA 4b, to ≈ −32 °C).
Care. Almost indestructible; tolerates poor soils and rain. Pruning is minimal — only shaping the hedge.
Name. 'Robusta' — 'sturdy, robust'; it reflects the vigorous growth and iron-like toughness.
Breeding. Reimer Kordes (Germany), code KORgosa, 1979; a hybrid of Rosa rugosa. ADR 1980. Not to be confused with the old rugosa 'Robusta' (Soupert & Notting, 1877) — that is a different rose.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −32 °C (USDA zone 4b). Overwintering depends on the conditions. To ≈ −32 °C; very hardy.
Main flush in early summer + sporadic repeat blooms until autumn.
150–215 cm tall, 105–150 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. Tough foliage; spotting is possible in damp regions.
Sun + partial shade; undemanding; tolerates poor soils.
Very light, slightly sweet.
