Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose) Unity Grown

Rosa palustris, also commonly called swamp rose, is a medium-sized woody shrub native to the eastern half of North America. Generally found in perpetually wet or boggy soils in full sun or partial shade, swamp rose is known for its pretty 5-petaled pink flowers with yellow centers, as well as its thorny branches. Typically growing to approximately 3-6' tall and wide in a mounded form, swamp rose produces attractive pink early summer flowers. Blooms are highly desirable to a number of pollinators, and its small summer to fall fruits, called hips, are edible and sought after by birds and other wildlife.

Since it is typically found in boggy or wetland areas, Rosa palustris grows best in acidic, medium to wet soils with decent drainage; though it prefers things on the wetter side and can tolerate seasonal flooding, swamp rose does not tolerate standing water or heavy clay soils. While Rosa palustris prefers acidic soils with some organic nutrient composition, it is not particularly picky about soil consistency otherwise. Though swamp rose grows in both full sun and partial shade, it exhibits better health and disease resistance in full sun.