Question
On Macinac Island there is a bush that has large flowers in a majenta color, There are thorns on the bush like a rose bush and the flowers appear to look like a large rose or a peony, the leaves also look like a rose bush leaf. Some say it is a rose of sharon, but I have not been able to find one like it in that family. It is shaped like a large bush or shrub. It is very striking this time of year. Can you please tell me what it is called. Thanking you in advance. Carolyn Margraf, Findlay, Ohio 45840

Answer
Without actually seeing the plant is is almost impossible to identify it. Here is a web page with a photo of a rugosa rose perhaps that is what it is.
http://ontariowildflowers.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=165
Here is another page that shows you they come in a carmine colour.
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/syllabus/rrugosa.htm
More colours of Rugosa roses
http://www.gardenmob.com/blog1/category/roses-by-class/rugosa/
Perhaps you can see some similarity on your mystery plant. Hope this helps.