Roses can make a wonderful hedge either mixed in with a normal hedge or as an attractive flowering boundary. An upwind rose hedge that has strong, fragrant flowers can perfume a garden, filling the air with their heavy scent, and bar intruders with their wicked thorns. R. eglanteria is such a plant with small, single, pink blooms, blush centres, and a plethora of bright red hips that last well into winter. It will take some shade and can be trained to climb.
Rugosa roses are among the toughest of all garden roses. They originated from the orient centuries ago but it was not until the 1970's that breeders began to create many new exciting varieties by crossing them with garden roses. Rugosa roses are dense and robust in form, very thorny, and the leaves are roughly textured and deep veined. The flowers are usually large, opening wide; they may be single to fully double appear fragile - somewhat like crinkled silk.
Most of them repeat flower well later in the summer. Plump rose hips appear following the flowering period and foliage turns an attractive bronze in late season. Rugosas make wonderful hedges but also look good as specimen plants in mixed shrub borders. They are able to grow under very poor conditions with the ability to withstand sea spray, which makes them popular in northern climates and coastal areas. Rosa 'Hansa' belongs to this group; it makes up an impressive hedge. Large early summer flush of intensely clove-scented crimson flowers, repeats occasionally in summer with a smaller flush in autumn.
The flowers are produced in such fabulous profusion that the plant can have a tendency to sprawl under the weight of its own massive thorny canes. Another with beautiful flowers is 'Agnes' with fully double, rich yellow and amber blooms of the old-fashioned type; this one will reach a height of 8-ft (2.4m). Rugosas are very disease resistant and do NOT therefore require nor appreciate being sprayed with chemicals, which terns the leaves yellow. An impenetrable barrier can also be created with- Cerise Bouquet, R. sericea pteracantha, R. pimpinellifolia and hybrids, R. paulii, R. Macrantha and many of the species roses.
Climbers and Ramblers for growing into Trees, over Bushes and Hedges and smothering unsightly features: Almost any rambler is excellent but the best are: Albe`ric barbier, Bobby James, Ce`cile Brunner Clg, Dr W.Van Fleet, Fe`licite` et Perpe`tue, Francis E. Lester, Kew Rambler, Long John Silver, May Queen, R. filipes, 'Kiftsgate', Paul's Himalayan Musk, R. mulliganii, R. banksiae lutea, R. banksiae lutea, R. banksiae banksiae, R. wichuraiana ramblers and Wedding Day.
