The rose is full of surprises. For those enamored of its beauty and scent, approach too close and be bloodied by the thorns. For those who dismiss its floral show as all it has to offer, behold the brilliance of its autumnal mantle. This is Rosa rugosa, a rugged little seaside beauty that not only offers florals and fragrance, and hips that change from green to persimmon in pretty pomegranate-like fashion, but this late-season session of fireworks erupting from its foliage.
Unlike the fading pale prettiness of this coral bark maple, Rosa rugosa has much sturdier leaves. They can take a bit more cold, transforming into the fiery, canary feathers you see here. Catching the sunlight at this time of the year can be a tricky bit of business, but Rosa is an old-hand at doing the impossible. And a magnificent one at that.
