‘Polar Ice’ is one of the most vigorous and densely growing rugosa roses and features clusters of double, slightly nodding flowers. Green buds open to creamy white blooms with pink petals and deeper pink centers. The flowers smell lightly of baby powder, and the new lime green foliage smells like strawberries and sweet grass. In autumn, the foliage turns bright yellow. -Suzanne Verrier, No muss, no fuss rugosa roses, Fine Gardening issue #121

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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, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
• Light : Full Sun
• Moisture : Medium Moisture
• Maintenance : Moderate
• Flower Color : Pink, White
• Plant Type : Shrubs
• Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest