Flowers may be white, pink, reddish purple, or yellow, depending on cultivar. Some cultivars have doubled blossoms. Most are highly fragrant and attract bees. Flowers are 2 to 4 inches wide. The hips are bright reddish orange and can be more than 1 inch across.
Plants can have both fruits and flowers at the same time.
Grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy ones. Withstands difficult conditions, including salt, drought, and extreme cold. Rugosa roses don't require the specialized pruning that the more traditional roses, such as hybrid teas and grandifloras, need. An occasional branch may need to be removed to maintain overall shape and appearance. May get aphids.