Plant Select®
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Rosa glauca
Plant Common Name
Red-leaved Rose
General Description
The purplish-red foliage of red-leaved rose offers a perfect color contrast for its clusters of showy pink and white single blooms. Sometimes called by its old name Rosa rubrifolia, this old-fashioned species rose originates from alpine regions across Europe, from Spain to Poland. It is a deciduous shrub rose that was heavily cultivated in the 19th century, but is now only sought after by diehard rose collectors. In modern gardens it would be best placed in more informal, naturalistic landscapes and garden spaces.
The thorny, arching branches of this rose produce bloomy purplish-red compound leaves in spring that age to deep reddish blue-green by midsummer and adopt vibrant shades of gold, red and orange in fall. Beautiful single roses of bright pink with white inner petals are produced from late spring to summer. These delicate roses lose their petals easily and have a light, barely detectable sweet fragrance. Round hips that turn from brownish red to deep red follow and persist into fall and early winter.
Red-leaved rose prefers full to partial sun, moderate temperatures and perfectly drained, slightly acid soil with average to good fertility. This is a disease susceptible rose. Good care and regular pruning can help combat common foliar diseases. Old canes should be cut out in late winter to maintain good airflow and overall health.
Though a bit informal, well-maintained red-leaved roses offer beautiful foliage throughout the growing season, and their hips provide important forage to wildlife.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Hot Pink
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Dark Red, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Purple, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Orange, Gray Green, Dark Green, Gold, Burgundy
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Bark Color
Dark Green, Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
