F. J. Grootendorst
Rugosa
Origin - de Goey, 1918
Parentage - Rosa Rugosa seedling x unknown Polyantha
Color - Dark red/magenta
Foliage - Dark green
Thorns - Strong
Size - 6' - 8' h. x 4' - 5' w.
Fragrance - Light
Repeat bloom - Yes
Disease resistance - Very good
Hardiness - Zone 4
The Name of the Rose - Named after the owner of the nursery which introduced it.
Rugosas make excellent landscape specimens and their luxuriant foliage makes them unique among other roses. For a tough, carefree and beautiful rose, rugosas are hard to beat. They are extremely hardy and can grow in difficult conditions such as seaside locations.
Flowers of F.J. Grootendorst are dark red and small, reminiscent of carnations, and are borne in huge clusters. They appear profusely in spring and repeat well throughout the growing season. A bush in full grown makes an impressive showing from a distance.
F.J. Grootendorst grows in an upright position and reaches about 7 feet high and 4 feet wide. It responds well to pruning so it can be kept smaller if desired. I have it planted in a perennial border where it blends in well but also makes a dramatic focal point.
Rugosas do not like to be sprayed or coddled. If you do, their leaves turn yellow! Some rugosas do well in different areas of the country. This one will perform well in the South. The denseness of the shrub and vicious thorns makes this a good choice for an impenetrable hedge or burglar deterrent.
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