For a thick hedge that's also beautiful and fragrant, Rosa rugosa , the sea tomato, is a fine choice. Scabrosa' is also appealing for quick privacy, with single pink flowers the size of saucers. Like 'Hansa', 'Scabrosa' sets huge red hips after flowering. For a small garden, the more compact 'Fru Dagmar Hastrup' is just right. Therese Bugnet' is another favorite that my friend Anita Morrison gave me.
Unusual burgundy stems add interest to the plant.
I count on the hybrid musks as much as the rugosas for a long season of color. Many become wide-spreading shrubs that grow compatibly with perennials in mixed borders. Their clusters of small flowers have an old-fashioned charm, yet bloom continuously as well or better than many of the modern roses. Hybrid musks bloom well in full sun or partial shade, making them good transitional plants. Rosa 'Moonlight' Several of the pastel cultivars actually prefer partial shade to full sun.