Robusta is a hybrid rugosa rose in the rose family (Rosaceae). It was hybridized by Reimer Kordes in 1979. Parentage is an unnamed seedling × R. rugosa regeliana . This vigorous shrub will grow 5-7 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Fertilize spring and summer. Apply mulch to retain moisture. Prune in the fall to maintain size. Diseased or damaged canes can be removed at any time. Allow good air circulation to help prevent diseases. The fragrant dark red single flowers are 4-5 inches across, occur in spring and then rebloom in flushes throughout the season. The glossy green foliage occurs on stems with spines. Use Robusta as a specimen, a hedge, a barrier or in the border. Works well in a cutting, English or cottage garden Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to blackspot. See pests of roses to the left. Deer will browse roses. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Rosa .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheRosa 'Duet'Rosa Heart 'n' Soul 'ORApaymel'Rosa Sweet Juliet® 'AUSleap'
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial; Rose; Shrub
Life cycle
Perennial; Woody
USDA zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 6 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Dark green glossy foliage
Flower color
Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Showy
Flower shape
Cup; Saucer
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Moderately scented, single red blooms with 7 petals occur in clusters. Repeat blooms throughout the season. Flowers are 4-5 inches across.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Orange
Fruit type
Drupe
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Orange rose hips
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Green stems with thick prickles
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Germany
Wildlife value
Attracts birds and bees butterflies.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Songbirds
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Drupe
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Patio; Walkways
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; English Garden
Design feature
Barrier; Border; Hedge; Screen/Privacy; Small groups; Specimen