Rugosa Rose
Rosa rugosa
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), also called beach tomato or sea tomato, is a broadleaf deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family native to northern China, Korea, and Japan. It reaches 4-6 ft tall with a 6 ft spread (5 ft at 20 years) and has a semi-erect, rhizomatous form. Rose-purple to white fragrant flowers 6-9 cm across are followed by large red hips. The coarse foliage is distinctively rugose (wrinkled).
Rugosa rose is hardy in zones 2a-8b and prefers full sun with wet-tolerant drainage (pH 5.5-7.5) and tolerates anaerobic soil. Twenty-seven diseases and 31 pests are documented. The fruit has the highest edibility rating (5/5) among the roses profiled. The species has weed potential through rhizomatous spread. Seeds contain hair irritants.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Rugosa Rose has passed leaf emergence (770 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | Leaf emergence | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Leaf emergence BBCH 11 NOW | 770 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | — | Apr 1-Apr 30 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | — | Apr 15-May 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | — | Mar 15-May 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | — | Sep 1-Nov 30 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | — | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | — | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.