Rose Exception (syn. Rotes Meer) – Rugosa Rose

A compact form of the tough, healthy, Japanese rugosa rose, Rosa rugosa Exception is a small, vigorous, deciduous shrub rose with a rounded, clump-forming habit, suitable for the smaller garden. The stems are very prickly, and the leaves are deep green, very healthy, and heavily veined, turning colour attractively in autumn. The strongly and deliciously scented flowers are semi-double, purple-pink with a cluster of golden-yellow stamens, and are borne in profusion from May to July. They are followed by big, round, scarlet hips, showy enough to provide further interest into autumn. Rosa rugosa Exception should be pruned if necessary in late summer, after flowering has finished; take out a few of the older canes occasionally.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late spring to early autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 2’4” (75cm) Spread: 2’4” (75cm)