The second major division in the IRAR's rose classifications is Shrubs. As a group of roses, they are a "catch all" collection but provide the designer with a multitude of original and diverse landscape uses.
Like the Old Garden Roses, many of these hybrids retain the characteristics of their Species parentage. And like their OGR cousins, the Shrubs are generally sub-divided into non-recurrent and recurrent. They would divide as
Non-recurrent Shrubs
- Hybrid Blanda
- Hybrid Hugonis
- Hybrid Macounii
- Hybrid Moyesii*
- Hybrid Nitida
- Hybrid Nutkana
- Hybrid Suffulta
Recurrent Shrubs
- Hybrid Laevigata
- Hybrid Musk
- Hybrid Rugosa
- Kordesii
- [Modern] Shrub
* indicates some recurrent forms exist
Shrubs for winter color
With the exception of the Hybrid Laevigatas, the Shrubs belong to the Carolinae, Cinnamomeae and Synstylae sub-orders. As such, most produce excellent hips for winter color and contrast while providing a feast for overwintering wildlife. Even many of the modern Shrubs produce hips suitable for both winter interest and culinary expeditions.
Of particular note, are the hybrids of R. moyesii. The most widely grown and best known of the Moyesiis is 'Geranium', introduced by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1938. Growing to about 8 ft. (2.5 m), the brilliant orange-red, single blossoms produce a multitude of very large, flagon-shaped hips. My experience is that this rose is best grown in climates cooler than USDA Hardiness Zone 8, but with a bit of protection from the afternoon sun and a little extra irrigation, can be grown in warmer climates. Other notable Moyesii hybrids include 'Marguerite Hilling', a popular pink single; 'Eddie's Jewel', a brick-red recurrent double, but short on setting fruit; 'Highdownensis', a light crimson single which produces huge swags of hips; and 'Wintoniensis', noted for its light-gray scented foliage, deep pink single blossoms and "hairy" fruit.
Shrubs for hedges
I frequently get calls to select the best rose for a hedge. Of all the Shrubs, Rugosas fill this need with the greatest of ease. Their proclivity to sucker, sending up new canes from the roots, means their use will fill the gaps of the hedge in quick order. They also accept the most diverse growing conditions, easily surviving -10°F/-23°C winter temperatures with little or no extra protection. As a generalization, Hybrid Rugosas grow 4 - 6 ft. (1.2 - 1.8 m) in temperate climates, but can be kept in hedge form at lower heights.
One important note when growing these beauties: Do not spray the Rugosas with anything except plain water. Their textured foliage is highly susceptible to
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