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Rugosa rose and Prickly rose: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Rugosa rose Rosa rugosa	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Prickly rose Rosa acicularis
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Russia, Korea, Japan, and northern China	N. Europe to N. & Central Japan, Subarctic America to N. & W. Central U.S.A.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
4–6 ft	1–4 ft
Mature spread
4–6 ft	Spreading shrub
USDA hardiness zones
2–7	Cold hardy to USDA zone 1; upper zone not specified.
Season of interest
Summer–fall flowers & hips	Pink flowers & red hips
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers attract pollinating insects; birds eat the hips.	Native pink flowers and red hips bring seasonal interest to a cold-climate hedge.
Growing notes
A prickly, suckering shrub that can spread beyond a garden.	Use a locally appropriate form; prickly stems need room away from paths and occasional pruning.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew Additional growing guidance

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.