Rosa virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Rose, is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. This attractive wild rose typically grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, forming dense thickets that provide excellent habitat and cover for wildlife. In early to mid-summer, Virginia Rose produces fragrant, single pink flowers with bright yellow centers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Following the blooms, the shrub develops bright red rose hips that persist into winter, providing a valuable food source for birds and mammals. Its glossy green foliage turns vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall, offering multi-season interest. Virginia Rose is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, and coastal plantings due to its adaptability and salt tolerance.

Why Choose Rosa virginiana – Virginia Rose?

• Fragrant, pink single flowers that attract pollinators in early summer
• Bright red rose hips provide winter food for birds and wildlife
• Dense, thicket-forming habit offers excellent cover and nesting habitat

Cultivating Tips

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil
• Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils and is salt-tolerant
• Minimal maintenance once established; prune to shape or manage suckers if needed

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Ideal for hedgerows, coastal gardens, and naturalized areas
• Excellent addition to pollinator gardens, providing nectar and habitat
• Combine with native grasses and shrubs for a wildlife-friendly landscape

Ecological Benefits

• Supports a variety of native pollinators, including bees and butterflies
• Provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals
• Contributes to erosion control and soil stabilization in challenging sites