... growing and hybridizing all kinds of plants in zone 6b Maryland since the 1980's.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Rosa glutinosa

I haven't figured out why this rose species isn't more widely grown and appreciated. It has intensely pine-scented (bordering on citrusy) foliage. OK, the floral display isn't overwhelming (it is only one-blooming) and it's super thorny (like a rugosa), but I still don't get it. I would think that with all of the people who love sweetbriar roses that this much more compact relative with much more strongly scented foliage would be a big hit. It holds its leaves pretty well here in the humid, disease inducing climate of the Mid-Atlantic United States. It does occassionally have some tendency to mildew, but so far that even has been a minor issue. It looks like it might eventually get to shoulder high if I left it completely unpruned forever, but in general it wants to be about knee - waist high.




2 comments:

  1. Would love to - haven't been able to locate one for purchase.

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  2. Hi Nissa,
    Coincidentally, just a few minutes ago, I was just writing down your phone number from the e-mail you sent a while back. I have seeds ready for you but I didn't see your mailing address anywhere. If I don't hear from you I'll just give you a call.
    Take care, Tom

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