Swamp Rose

Swamp Rose

Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) is a graceful native shrub rose valued for its soft beauty and adaptability to wet environments. In early to mid-summer, it produces single, fragrant pink flowers with golden centers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blossoms are followed by bright red rose hips in fall, providing seasonal interest and an important food source for birds and wildlife.

Naturally found along wetlands, stream banks, and moist meadows, Swamp Rose thrives in conditions that challenge many other roses. Its upright, lightly arching stems and glossy green foliage give it a refined yet natural appearance that works beautifully in rain gardens, native plantings, and erosion-control projects. Unlike many cultivated roses, it is disease resistant and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes. In autumn, foliage may turn yellow to reddish tones, extending visual appeal beyond the flowering season.

Care Instructions

Planting:
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes the best flowering, though it tolerates light shade in wet areas.

Watering:
Prefers consistently moist to wet soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, though it tolerates periodic flooding.

Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems. Minimal shaping is required.

Pest Control:
Generally resistant to pests and common rose diseases. Monitor occasionally for aphids and treat if needed.

Soil Tips:
Thrives in moist, acidic to neutral soils. Adaptable to clay and loam; avoid dry, sandy locations.