All this time I simply assumed that Rosa rugosa was so named because the plant was so rugged – able to withstand salt-spray and the often-inhospitable environs of seaside survival. Turns out that ‘rugosa’ in Latin translates to ‘wrinkled’, and Rosa rugosa is so-named because of the wrinkly nature of the leaves. Words are magical, and often defy expectation; it’s always worth looking things up before assuming.
As for the plant in question, here is its wondrous late-fall wardrobe – one of the few spots of color left in the garden, and reason enough to keep this prickly beauty around, aside from its happy connotations to seaside memories.
The leaves look striking against a blue sky, which this November has afforded more than it usually does. Another moment ripe for gratitude, another glimpse of beauty in the garden, even at this late stage of the gardening year. Slumber will come soon enough…
