PlantFiles: Hybrid Rugosa Rose
Rosa rugosa 'Hansa'

I planted two Hansas at my fiist house. I knew little about gardening, and did not treat them with care. They flourished anyway. The soil was all clay, and I planted one in full sun, and one in a wet area that had partial shade. The one in the wet area didn't grow so I dug it up and plopped it in a drier spot (still partially shaded), and it flourished. The first year after the transplant it didn't bloom, but instead got big and bushy. The following year, thoughy, it out blossomed the one baking in direct sun. Last summer I dug up a small clump of it, and brought it with me to my new home (I now have good soil), and it's taking off. I already have four beautiful flowers.

For those of you living along the ocean, this is the rose for you. Actually, any of the rugosa roses wil bring you loads of flowers, and a fragrance that can't be beat. They grow quite prolifically in sandy soil, and wind swept areas. Our local beach is a sight to see when miles of them are all in bloom. The perfume at night on a warm summer eve is an experience that will linger in your memory.
For wine makers or canning enthusiasts, you may want to search out large stands of these, as they produce large, wonderful rose hips that make delightful wine and jellies loaded with vitamin C.
Warning! The thorns are ruthless.
I will be trying this variety this year as a screening for the back of my garden that abutts a field. We are quite close to a marsh and get ferocious winds. Will update this post as it matures.

Shade tolerant

Han_sa (above) put it perfectly. This is a rugged rose with a spicey, clove-like fragrance. Deep reddish purple color attracts the eye. The blooms don't last long, but the petals can be placed in a dish to pleasantly scent a room.

Disease resistant, insect resistant (the Japanese beetles paid little attention, and sawfly larvae went elsewhere), it blooms rather freely all summer long, and well into a cold October.

Yes, the foliage stays lush and remains attractive between bloom times.

I used to grow approximately 60 roses, up north. (All varieties.) This rose was my favorite. It was introduced in the Netherlands, 1905. It is very hardy, and carefree. Prune only, the dead wood. It's heavily scented and works extremely well for making potpourri. Just one bloom will bring a delightful sweet, clove-like fragrance. The large, showy, orange/red rose hips are beautiful in arrangements. The 2-3" semi-dlb., deep orchid toned, blossoms shatter easily; so it's not the best choice for long lasting flower arrangements. Also, the heads tend to nod. The foliage is thick and beautifully textured. The Hansa is not usually found in the average garden center, but... a 'must' for any rose collection.