Q&A for How to Prune Rosa Rugosa

You need to plant a rose variety that is a continuous bloomer; otherwise, you will need to vigorously deadhead.

You can move a Rugosa rose effectively at any time as long as the soil isn't frozen. Any pruning should wait until the plant has re-established itself.

Deadheading is optional. It can increase the number of blooms produced, and make the plant look more tidy.

You don't have to, but you may find the plant looks tidier that way. If you'd like to make a good rose-hip tea to drink all winter, I'd advise that you cut them off after several hard frosts, put them in a container, and pop them in your freezer. Take out a handful once in a while, bring them to a boil in a pot of water on the stove, simmer them for 10-20 minutes, strain, and drink the tea! They can also be used to make rose-hip syrup and rose-hip jelly.

If growing as a hedge, plant bare root plants in the cold season and prune back by a third to encourage bushiness. Single plants can be left to grow without pruning in first year or you can prune back by a third, but you will probably lose flowers in the first year. If you’re happy with the natural lax shape, don't prune at all, except dead, diseased, and misplaced stems.

During the coldest season is best, otherwise keep watering when transplanted. Take as much root as possible for the sucker. If you’re disposing of the sucker then anytime is OK, but cut the root back as far as possible. These plants sucker constantly throughout their life.