No muss, no fuss rugosa roses: These fragrant, cold-hardy shrubs are the most carefree members of the family

摘要

I pride myselr in being a gardener or least resistance, believing the road to gardening success is best navigated by bowing to the fickle nature of weather. This is especially true for cold-climate gardeners. Thus, when we discover an excellent plantthat meets—and often exceeds—the demands of our climate, we should not deny it a prominent place in our gardens, Rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa* cvs. and hybrids, USDA Hardiness Zones 2-9) are just such a plant and, therefore, have become the backbone of mygarden. These stellar shrubs serve as hedges, wind-breaks, focal points, anchors, and screens. In earliest spring, they provide some of the brightest greens to be seen, followed by the avalanche of fragrance and color from their blooms, beginning in June and continuing well into July. On hot late-August days when most of the garden looks a mite tattered and tired, rugosas are still buoyant and lush, coming on with a flush of new blossoms. In winter, witt nary a leaf in sight, their strong, shrubby stature becomes quite evident.