| Outstanding Qualities |
|
In a nutshell, Rosa ‘Hansa’ is tough as nails. It is fragrant, long blooming, drought tolerant and produces great hips. It may be a selection of Rosa rugosa, or it may be a hybrid, but it shows that species’ preference for full sun and sandy soils. The flowers of this deciduous shrub are double, highly scented and vibrant reddish-purple in color. They are produced on a medium-sized plant with dark green foliage. It is worth growing for the red hips alone! Introduced in Holland in 1905 by Schaum and Van Tol, this reliable, easy-care plant has stood the test of time. Use it as a specimen, barrier or hedge. Plant it in a mixed border or near blue conifers, such as Abies pinsapo ‘Glauca’. Perennials with pink, blue or orange flowers shine near ‘Hansa’, as do plants with silver foliage, such as Lychnis coronaria. It can even be trained into a standard (small tree on a single trunk). Bees and butterflies like the flowers, and the hips can be used for tea or jelly. |
| Culture |
|
‘Hansa’ thrives in well-drained, sandy soil, but it may rot in water-logged or clay soil. Water it during summer dry spells until it is established; then it is drought tolerant. It requires full sun and is utterly disease proof. Although it tolerates ocean spray, it must not be sprayed with anything else, even foliar fertilizer, or it will defoliate. All repeat-blooming roses can be shortened a little in fall to protect them against damage, mainly from wind, and then pruned to shape in early spring when the leaves are beginning to show green. For a hedge, set plants 3 feet on center and trim as required. |
| Growing Habit |
|
This prickly, deciduous shrub has a suckering habit, making it ideal for stabilizing soil, creating a barrier, or filling in a place where few other shrubs will thrive. It grows to 4 feet high by 3 feet wide, spreading gradually to greater widths if shoots are not removed at the base. About every five to seven years, prune out old, weak, non-flowering branches at their origin (larger branch or ground). |
| Hardiness |
|
USDA zones 4 to 8 |
|
