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Swamp Rose

Rosa palustris

Swamp rose is the native rose for wet ground, thriving in marshes and pond edges where most roses rot. Clear pink summer flowers and red hips make it a standout for rain gardens.

Family
Rosaceae
Type
shrub
Lifespan
perennial
Height
4–8 ft
Spacing
4–6 ft apart
Light
sun
Soil moisture
wet, moist
Soil pH
acidic, neutral
Bloom
June, July
Bloom colors
pink
Wildlife value
pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host
Caterpillar hosts
~135 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
specimen, hedge or screen, foundation, rain garden, erosion control
Native states
AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV