Purple Pavement Rose

Rosa rugosa ‘Purple Pavement’

Purple Pavement Rose is a cold-hardy, disease-resistant shrub rose with fragrant, semi-double purple-red flowers that bloom from late spring to frost. It produces attractive red rose hips in fall, adding seasonal interest. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and winter-hardy (Zone 2-7) shrub is perfect for hedges, borders, mass plantings, and urban landscapes in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 2-7 (extremely cold-hardy, thrives in prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight for best blooms and disease resistance)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates sandy, clay, and alkaline soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions, as roses dislike excessive moisture.
• Spacing: 3-5 feet apart for hedging, 5+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but should dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.
  • Boost with compost or well-rotted manure in spring for organic nutrition.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
  • Cut back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
  • Can be rejuvenated every few years by cutting back older stems to ground level.

Flowers, Fragrance & Fruit

• Bloom Time: Late spring to frost (continuous bloomer)
• Flower Color: Deep purple-red, semi-double blooms with a yellow center
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, and classic rose scent
• Rose Hips: Large, red, and ornamental in fall (also edible and rich in Vitamin C!)
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Pest & Disease Management

Highly resistant to: Powdery mildew, black spot, and rust (great for humid or dry climates)

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Japanese Beetles – May eat flowers and leaves.
  • Solution: Hand-pick or use neem oil.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and remove infected leaves.
• Canker (Fungal Disease) – Can cause branch dieback.
  • Solution: Prune affected branches 6 inches below infection and disinfect tools.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 2-7.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• In extreme cold or windy locations, wrapping young plants in burlap may provide added protection.

Landscape Uses

Great for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings
Excellent for mass plantings and erosion control
Highly fragrant, perfect near patios and walkways
Cold-hardy and disease-resistant—ideal for prairie landscapes
Attracts pollinators and provides edible rose hips in fall

Additional Notes:

• Purple Pavement Rose is one of the best shrub roses for cold climates, offering repeat blooms, fragrance, and fall interest with its decorative hips.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in cottage gardens, mixed borders, mass plantings, or as a standalone specimen shrub.

Photo courtesy of Weeks Roses