Swamp Rose

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

6-7 Feet

Mature Spread

6-7 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Swamp Rose is a lovely North American native rose that grows on the Eastside of the Mississippi. It can be found in wet areas and tolerates seasonal flooding much better than hybrid roses.The pale pink single blooms attract bees and butterflies that depend on the nectar all summer long. Birds and other small animals depend on the red, juicy hips for food during the winter.

The upright growing habit of Swamp Rose makes this deciduous shrub an excellent candidate for an informal native hedge design or for zone 2 in a rain garden plan. This rose is a vigorous grower and spreads easily by underground suckers and makes it an easy choice for larger naturalized garden areas. Diseases and pests do not bother this rose. Deer are not an issue and rabbits are more likely to use the shrub as shelter and protection than food.

Swamp Rose Care

Native roses love to be in full sun, but they do tolerate shade early in the morning or late in the afternoon much better than hybrid shrub varieties. Regular watering will be necessary until Swamp Rose is established. Native roses are not drought tolerant. Mulching with organic compost or leaves will improve the soil and make it more moisture retentive over time. Soil pH can be anywhere from acidic to alkaline. Well-drained soil is required.

Pruning of Swamp Rose should only be done to control where this shrub spreads. Cutting out one third of the older canes each fall will keep this vigorous spreader in bounds. Fertilizing is rarely necessary. Over feeding of Swamp Rose will encourage mass amounts of foliage, not more blooms. Large amounts of weak new growth will encourage aphids to attack this plant. 

Swamp Rose Spacing

Planting Swamp Rose as a hedge is very effective and provides good coverage in a naturalized area of the garden. The mature height and width of this rose is 6-7 feet. Spacing the plants out at 6 foot on center will ensure plenty of air circulation around the foliage.