Though not very well known, ‘Dart’s Dash’ is  one of the best of the crimson double rugosa roses. ‘Dart’s Dash’ has large blossoms with the spicy scent typical of rugosas and when blooming is done, the plant puts forth a marvelous display of showy hips. It establishes itself quickly and is a fine choice for a low hedge. -Suzanne Verrier, No muss, no fuss rugosa roses, Fine Gardening issue #121

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece

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Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger

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Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Quick and easy to put into operation and is less noisy and lighter in weight than gas-powered hedge trimmers.
- 38 x 7 x 7 inches
- 6.9 pounds
- 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm

Buy at Amazon

Noteworthy CharacteristicsRugosa roses are listed as an invasive plant in some areas, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington.

CareProvide full sun, good air circulation, and fertile, well-drained soil. Top-dress with compost after planting and every subsequent spring and fall.

PropagationDig up suckers in fall and, with a sharp spade, cut the root that connects the sucker to the shrub as close to the mother plant as possible. Leave the sucker in place in the ground until early spring, by which time it will have developed its own root system. Transplant it to a more desirable location.

ProblemsJapanese beetles, rose stem girdler, deer

• Genus : Rosa
• Zones : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
• Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
• Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Spring, Summer
• Growth Rate : Fast
• Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
• Light : Full Sun
• Moisture : Medium Moisture
• Maintenance : Moderate
• Flower Color : Pink
• Plant Type : Shrubs
• Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest