Rosa palustris, commonly known as Swamp Rose, is a native deciduous shrub naturally found along wetlands, streambanks, and moist meadows throughout the eastern United States. Reaching 4 to 6 feet tall, this open, arching shrub features soft pink, five-petaled flowers that bloom in mid to late summer and are followed by red rose hips that persist into fall. Swamp Rose is a valuable plant for supporting pollinators and birds, and it thrives in wet soils where many other shrubs struggle. Its thorns provide protective cover for wildlife, making it an excellent choice for habitat gardens, rain gardens, and restoration plantings.

Why choose Swamp Rose:

• Native beauty: Mid-summer pink blooms and ornamental red hips

• Wet site solution: Thrives in consistently moist or saturated soils

• Wildlife value: Supports bees, birds, and small mammals with flowers, fruit, and cover

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Prefers full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Requires moist to wet soils; ideal for low areas and riparian zones

• Maintenance: Prune as needed to manage form; tolerant of seasonal flooding

Designs for your garden:

• Rain gardens: Perfect for low spots or bioswales with consistent moisture

• Naturalized plantings: Blends beautifully into native meadows and wetland edges

• Habitat gardens: Supports birds, butterflies, and other wildlife

Ecological benefits:

• Pollinator support: Flowers attract native bees and butterflies

• Bird food source: Hips feed birds and persist into fall

• Native species: Contributes to local biodiversity and wetland restoration