‘Henry Hudson’ has flattened, symmetrical, semi-double, white flowers with a spicy clove scent. The dense and deep green foliage makes a fitting backdrop for this selection’s reddish buds and ensuing cream-colored flowers. The blossoms don’t drop cleanly, so deadheading is necessary. -Suzanne Verrier, No muss, no fuss rugosa roses, Fine Gardening issue #121
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSpicy, snow white flowers. Rugosa roses are listed as an invasive plant in some areas, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington.
CareProvide full sun, good air circulation, and fertile, well-drained soil. Top-dress with compost after planting and every subsequent spring and fall.
PropagationDig up suckers in fall and, with a sharp spade, cut the root that connects the sucker to the shrub as close to the mother plant as possible. Leave the sucker in place in the ground until early spring, by which time it will have developed its own root system. Transplant it to a more desirable location.
ProblemsJapanese beetles, rose stem girdler, deer.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
- Genus : Rosa
- Zones : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Spring, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
- Light : Full Sun
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
