Species Rose - Swamp
1824
Architecturally beautiful at all times of the year, the Swamp Rose
has graceful, arching, and nearly thornless branches with narrow, willow-like
leaves. This is a native American rose, growing across the South and East in moist,
swampy ground. Its ability to grow in poorly drained soil as well as in normal
garden conditions make it an anomaly among roses, but very versatile in the landscape.
No plant could be more beautiful weeping into a stream or reflecting pond. The
flowers appear in late spring, after most species have finished blooming. They
are vivid pink, double, and very showy. Redouté painted this rose in the
garden of Empress Josephine of France.