Is there any chance of your digging suckers from those which have spread over the dunes you've mentioned? I remember reading a long time ago where the author said he dug ten feet in sand before he found roots, but it's worth a shot. Whatever you buy, to get the results you describe, you need own root plants, not budded. Kim

I'm sorry momliz, I forgot to include that probably your best bets are plain old Rugosa (pink), Rubra (red) and Alba (white). They are considered "original types" of Rugosa, not "hybrids", or combinations with other species. They should be some of the most cold hardy, toughest and most persistent of Rugosa types. Kim

http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.38191.20

http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.5411.2

http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.43391

thanks, roseseek! I'll take a look at them. I was definitely considering own root roses, in containers, not bare root. You're probably right about getting the species as opposed to any cultivars. Unfortunate! I'm not too worried about cold hardiness, it doesn't get that cold in Delaware, but tough is a must.

I might try one or two hybrids/cultivars just to see, though. I have a vision of some low growing light pink ones with some Russian sage, seaside goldenrod, and prickly pear cactus. or a shore juniper facing it down...

Yes, the species, but also Frau Dagmar for a low pink Rugosa.

mmm, you might think about the spinossissimas/pimpinellifolias including the best beach rose I know 0 the tiny Dunwich Rose, found among the dunes on the Suffolk coast. Practically all of the burnet roses will do well although they tend to be early spring flowering (although Stanwell Perpetual will have a repeat blooming). Also, how about R.stellata mirifica, aka the Gooseberry Rose. Then, you might think about the hulthemia class - these are proving to be healthy, long blooming and able to do well in poorer soils. Finally, how about going further down the species route - there will be some goodies suitable for your geography (I have R.californica, R nutkana, R foliosa, R.moyesii and my favourite, the fabulous field rose, R.arvensis Splendens or Venusta Pendula (although these rambling scrambling types may well need the help of a chainlink or trellis). Avoid the fussy hybrid teas and go for roses which are close to the wild types for maintenance free pleasure and all-round general health and vigour.

I've seen "beach plums" growing in the dunes on Long Island Sound. They were in bloom, and were spectacular! I wonder how many are still there. At least, that's one plant that the salt water floods won't kill! They're called beach plums because of the large hips that you can make jelly from. They're some sort of rugosa species.

I should add, the species and early rugosas sucker wildly, so don't over-plant. Five years ago I planted two little bands, rugosa alba and rubra. Today they form a hedge 10l x 5w and would be bigger yet if I didn't dig out the farthest suckers (and pot them up and give them away). Frau Dagmar also suckers, tho more slowly, and so does Rosarie de l"Hay, another shorty.

Thank you all! any recommendations as to soil amendments? I will be planting these in straight sand.

I grew rugosas in Rockport MA and agree with roseseek. All of the nurseries on the north shore sell primarily plain old rugosas, not named hybrids. Red seems to be the most common, maybe it likes the cold. I was about half a block from the shore, not pure sand, but average back yard soil for the area. I added mulch and bagged manure to the planting hole but probably didn't need it. There were ancient looking rugosas flourishing all over the neighborhood in yards that are often untended for months at a time.