Roses have long been a garden favorite because of their shape, color, fragrance, and romantic appeal. Hybridizers have spent many years developing new varieties trying to improve these appealing qualities. Over-breeding causes a lack in plant vigor, which means more pampering by the gardener. However, there are many less-familiar roses that haven't been hybridized and are easier to grow, more resistant to insects and diseases, plus, they do well in Utah's dry climate.

So how can you enjoy roses in your landscape without all the time consuming work? Easy - choose a low maintenance rose that does well in Utah. Consider the following roses instead of traditional Hybrid Tea or Floribunda types.

Red-leaf Rose (Rosa glauca)
This shrub rose grows 5-7 ft. tall. The leaves have an attractive coppery or purplish hue. Single, light pink to deep pink flowers are borne in May-June. These later mature to beautiful, orange-red hips.

Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)
Wrinkled, dark green leaves give this plant its name - rugosa means wrinkled. It grows 4-6 ft. tall. Flowers are rose-purple to white and deliciously fragrant from June-August. Brick red hips decorate the plant in fall. They are often used to make a fine jelly. Fall leaf color is coppery bronze. This shrub rose is pH adaptable, salt tolerant, and trouble free. There are many cultivars available.

Woods Rose (Rosa woodsii)
This attractive rose is native to Utah so naturally it does well in the desert climate. It grows 5-7 ft. tall and has showy pink flowers in May and June. Woods Rose can tolerate most soil types, high pH and does not require much water or care.