White Rugosa Rose

Rosa rugosa 'Alba'

Nature Hills Nursery

Fragrant White Blooms Plus Ornamental Hips Deliver Three Seasons of Garden Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-7
Grows 4-6 ft Tall, 4-5 ft Wide
Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Songbirds

$88⁷⁴

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These roses thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While they tolerate partial shade, you will notice fewer of those signature clove scented blooms and a less dense growth habit if they don't get enough sun.
Soil: Rugosas prefer well drained, slightly acidic soil but are famous for handling tough conditions like salty air or sandy spots. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage because they cannot stand "wet feet" or soggy roots.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the deep root system establish itself. Once mature, White Rugosa Roses are incredibly drought tolerant, though a deep soaking during extreme summer heat prevents the foliage from yellowing or dropping early. Inconsistent watering during the bud stage can lead to smaller flowers and fewer of those beautiful red rose hips in the fall.

Pruning Tips

This rose blooms on a mix of old and new wood, so the best time to prune is late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Think of it like a thinning hair cut: remove about one third of the oldest canes down to the ground every few years to encourage fresh, vigorous stems. This keeps the center of the shrub open for airflow, which is the best way to prevent the rare cases of leaf spot or mildew.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release rose fertilizer in early spring as the first leaves emerge to fuel the initial bloom flush. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers after mid summer, as this encourages soft, leafy growth that won't harden off properly before the first frost. Using a layer of wood mulch around the base is often enough to provide the extra organic nutrients these rugged plants need to stay healthy.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Reblooming, Flowering, Fragrant, Disease resistant, Salt Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-6 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Plant Name	Rose
Botanical Name	Rosa rugosa 'Alba'
Species	rugosa
Cultivar	Alba
Class	Magnoliopsida, Rosales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Dreamy fragrant blooms - The glorious snowy blooms of the White Rugosa Rose (Rosa Rugosa 'Alba') are highly fragrant, featuring the classic English Rose scent. The white single blossoms fill your landscape with their perfume while the lush leafy beauty of the foliage and ornamental fall Rose Hips add interest for 3 growing seasons every year!

The pollinators adore these perfumed beauties, each crowned with a gorgeous ring of golden anthers. Clusters of large flowers smother the deep-green foliage all summer long! Fall brings ornate, shiny seed pods that decorate the autumn in the harvest tones of yellow, orange and red hips! Persisting on the shrub all fall, and throughout the mild winter as well, these Rose Hips can be used in crafts, dried floral arrangements, feeding songbirds, and even been used in tea, medicinal and culinary delights!

So very versatile and adaptable, you'll enjoy their carefree nature! Featuring low water requirements once established, Rugosa are often used as Fire-scaping barriers and in out-of-the-way areas. Salt is no problem for these Beach Roses, nor does the salt along your road or driveway give them a reason to balk Hardy throughout chilly USDA growing zones 2 through mild zone 7, there's little that fazes these tough beauties!

Planting and Application:

Shrub Roses are great large hedges and back-of-the-border landscaping shrubs, to highlight smaller perennials, Roses, or other plantings. Rugosa Roses are impressive-sized barrier plants that are fantastic for scented screening and property division. Tough, hardy and resilient, you can plant long rows or groupings of these shrubs without any effort.

Perfect as barriers to deter foot traffic and trespassers, the strong, tall and thorn-covered canes will make anyone think twice before crossing through them! Create Firewise landscapes with these winter-hardy pure white, single flowers while feeding your populations of beneficial pollinators.

Tolerant of salt spray, coastal conditions, and a wide range of climates, Rugosa Roses are perfect for privacy and screening your home from the street, or from the neighbors. Line your driveway or separate your front from the backyard with a row or cluster of lush foliage and fragrant white blossoms!

Cottage gardens and mass plantings are equally lovely uses for these Shrub Roses. From woodland and naturalized plantings to more formal applications, these shrubs blend right in. Fantastic anchors for foundations or for softening the corners of hard structures, the White Rugosa accents large areas quickly!

A free-flowering Rose bush accents like nothing else, lending that classic wild Rose look and adaptability to modern landscapes, formal plantings, or informal country styles alike!

The fragrance lends itself to your outdoor garden rooms as well as perfuming indoor vases and bouquets! The Moon Garden-worthy, bridal-white blossoms look lovely with their backing of matte, dark-green leaves!

Large Snow-White Blossoms!
Extremely Fragrant - Classic Rose Scent!
Fall Interest - Ornamental Reddish-Orange Rose Hips
Cut Flower & Dried Crafts & Pollinators Galore!
Late Summer Bloom
Easy Care Hardy Adaptable Shrub
Barrier Plants, Specimen & Privacy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Rugosa Roses flower the most when planted in the full sun. Plant in a location with good air circulation in at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, preferring morning sun to dry their leaves of dew. Handing extreme cold like a champ! Tough, adaptable and disease-resistant, Rugosa Roses have stood the test of time and are long-lived shrubs that feature vigorous growth and strong canes. Plant these in enriched, highly organic, well-drained soil. Preferring moderate, yet consistent moisture, Roses despise soggy, water-logged soil, so be sure to plant in an area with good drainage. Rugosa Roses require occasional water once established and are among the easiest-growing Roses available!

Fertilize your Rose 2-3 times a year with fertilizer geared for Roses for a healthy long-lived plant. Low maintenance once established, Rugosa only requires pruning in early spring to shape them, clean out the interior, and control their size. Avoid deadheading if you wish to enjoy the Rose Hips in the fall. Read all you need about pruning Roses Here, winterizing your Roses Here, and un-wintering Roses in the spring in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

Full Sun Lover
Moist Enriched Well-Drained Soil
Regular Fertility & Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune Early Spring & Deadhead For New Blooms
Mulch Very Well
Disease Resistant - Deer & Salt Spray Resistant - Cold & Heat Tolerant

Rugosa features incredible fragrance, lovely single blooms, and that gleaming pure white flower, belying their tough-as-nails nature. Enjoy years of three-season beauty and interest for the cost of a high-end floral bouquet! Order your own gorgeous White Rugosa Rose Bush today by ordering from NatureHills.com before they're gone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of White Rugosa Rose?

White Rugosa Rose typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. These vigorous shrubs form dense, thorny barriers that work well for screening and property division in zones 2-7. Allow adequate space for their substantial size when planning your landscape layout.

Does White Rugosa Rose grow well in my zone (e.g., zone 2, 3-9, or zone 6)?

White Rugosa Rose thrives in USDA zones 2-7, making it exceptionally cold hardy. This tough shrub handles extreme temperatures from frigid northern climates to mild southern regions. Check your specific zone and shop at Nature Hills for successful planting in your area.

Is White Rugosa Rose tolerant of salt, drought, heat, or poor soil?

White Rugosa Rose excels in challenging conditions, tolerating salt spray, coastal environments, and low water once established. Hardy in zones 2-7, it's commonly used for fire-scaping and thrives in out-of-the-way areas with poor conditions. Plant it where other roses struggle.

How do I care for White Rugosa Rose, including watering and pruning?

White Rugosa Rose requires minimal care once established, with low water needs and tolerance for harsh conditions in zones 2-7. Water regularly the first year, then only during extended dry periods. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead canes and shape if needed.

Is White Rugosa Rose deer-resistant or tolerant of pests and diseases?

White Rugosa Rose is naturally deer-resistant due to its thorny canes and tough constitution. These hardy shrubs (zones 2-7) also resist most common rose diseases and pests thanks to their resilient nature. Plant them as defensive barriers where deer browsing is problematic - available at naturehills.com.

How is White Rugosa Rose shipped—bare root, potted, or in boxes—and does it arrive healthy?

White Rugosa Rose ships as a bare root plant during dormant season or in containers during the growing season. These hardy roses (zones 2-7) arrive healthy with strong root systems ready for planting. Plant bare root roses immediately upon arrival in early spring for best establishment.

Does White Rugosa Rose produce fragrant flowers, and when does it bloom?

Yes, White Rugosa Rose produces highly fragrant white blooms with the classic English rose scent. The single flowers bloom in clusters throughout summer, smothering the foliage with their perfume. Plant in full sun for best flowering and fragrance production.

White Rugosa Rose

Rosa rugosa 'Alba'