Plant Library

Group/Class:  Shrub Rose

Description:

This well-known hardy shrub rose is covered in very showy fragrant double brilliant red flowers from early summer through into fall; an upright and imposing shrub that offers brilliant color for the garden composition; needs full sun and well-drained soil

Ornamental Features

The Hunter Rose is draped in stunning red flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to late summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The oval compound leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall. The fruits are showy red hips displayed from mid to late fall. The spiny brick red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

The Hunter Rose is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease
• Spiny

The Hunter Rose is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

The Hunter Rose will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.