Ground-cover/Shrub Rose Bonica

A really good, repeat-flowering modern shrub rose, which can also be used as a ground-cover rose, Rosa Bonica is a vigorous, deciduous Floribunda shrub rose with a neat, low, spreading habit. The pinnate (divided) foliage has glossy, rich green leaflets, and is so plentiful that it is often used as a weed-suppressing ground-cover rose, although it’s also good at the front of a sunny border. From July to September, this rose bears big sprays of small to medium-sized, semi-double, rose-pink flowers, with a light fragrance. If not dead-headed, these are followed by pretty, red hips which persist on the shrub into winter.  Shrub rose Bonica is a tough, sturdy, reliable rose with good disease-resistance, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any well-drained, humus-rich soil, preferably moist; tolerant of poorer soils
Position: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: Mid-summer to early autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  3’3” (1m)  Spread: 4’ (1.2m)