Red Drift groundcover rose

Sun

Full sun, preferably at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water

Water deeply during establishment and during prolonged dry spells. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, but flower better with consistent moisture.

Soil

Well-drained loam, clay or sandy soil enriched with organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogged ground.

Height

1-1.5 ft (0.3-0.45 m)

Spread

2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m)

Flowers

Small, semi-double red flowers in repeated flushes from late spring through autumn, often continuing until frost.

Foliage

Small, glossy, dark green leaves on branching, prickly stems; deciduous in cold climates and sometimes partly evergreen in mild winters.

Growth

Moderate; usually forms a substantial mound within two or three growing seasons.

Care needed

Low

• Pollinators
• Cold hardy
• Heat tolerant
• Disease resistant
• Wildlife
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Very tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   0.3 ft (0.09 m)

2. After 1 year

   0.7 ft (0.21 m)

3. After 2 years

   1 ft (0.32 m)

4. After 3 years

   1.2 ft (0.38 m)

   full size

About 3 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Growth rate

Moderate

• Water at soil level, soaking the root zone rather than wetting the leaves.
• Apply a rose fertiliser in spring as growth begins, following the label rate; avoid late-season nitrogen feeding in cold climates.
• Spread 2-3 in (5-8 cm) of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Allow room for its mature spread and good airflow rather than planting tightly against other shrubs.
• Use a container with drainage holes and check its moisture frequently during hot weather.

Pruning. In late winter or early spring, after the worst cold and before strong new growth, remove dead, damaged and crossing stems, then shorten the remaining growth by about one-third to one-half. Deadheading is optional, though removing spent clusters can keep the plant tidy.

Late winter

Prune before strong new growth, delaying in very cold areas until the worst freezes have passed.

Spring

Plant when the soil is workable; water thoroughly and mulch the root zone.

Spring

Apply rose fertiliser as new leaves develop.

Summer

Water deeply during dry spells and inspect young shoots for aphids.

Summer

Remove spent flower clusters if desired and collect any diseased fallen leaves.

Autumn

Stop nitrogen feeding in cold climates and clear diseased foliage from beneath the plant.

Winter

Protect container-grown roots from severe freezing; in the coldest parts of its range, mulch the crown after the ground cools.

• Plant in repeated groups along a sunny border for a low ribbon of red flowers.
• Cover a sunny bank with spreading mounds, leaving access for pruning and weeding.
• Combine with catmint, salvia or ornamental grasses for contrasting flower shapes and softer textures.
• Use in a large patio container where its spreading stems can soften the rim.
• Place in front of taller shrubs to bring colour to the lower layer without hiding the plants behind.

Garden styles it suits: Cottage garden, Traditional, Modern, Low-maintenance, Small-space and Hot border.

Plant it with: Catmint, Hardy salvia, Lavender, Cranesbill geranium, Lamb's ears and Dwarf fountain grass.

Wildlife: The flowers can provide pollen for visiting insects, although their extra petals make them less accessible than single roses. Dense, prickly growth offers some shelter for small garden animals.

• Black spot: resistance is good, not immunity. Remove affected fallen leaves, improve airflow and water at soil level; use a locally approved rose fungicide only if repeated infection warrants it.
• Aphids: wash small colonies from shoots with water or use insecticidal soap according to its label, avoiding open flowers and visiting insects.
• Rose sawfly larvae: inspect leaf undersides when foliage develops scraped patches or holes; hand-pick larvae or use a locally approved treatment labelled for sawflies.
• Rose rosette disease in affected parts of North America: unusually red, distorted shoots with excessive prickles need prompt assessment. Remove and dispose of confirmed infected plants; there is no cure.

Not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people. Rose petals, leaves and hips are not considered poisonous, but eating plant material may cause mild stomach upset. Prickles can puncture skin or injure mouths, and hairs inside rose hips can irritate.

• Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Radrazz')

  The original Knock Out forms a much taller, more upright shrub and has larger, more open cherry-red flowers rather than Red Drift's small blooms on a low, spreading mound.

• Petite Knock Out rose (Rosa 'Meibenbino')

  Also compact and red-flowered, but generally forms a tighter, more upright bush with very dark foliage rather than Red Drift's broader groundcover habit.

Red refers to the flower colour, while Drift is the series name for these low, spreading roses; 'Meigalpio' is this cultivar's registered denomination.

Propagation. Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings can produce plants true to the cultivar; seed will not reliably do so. Check current plant breeders' rights and propagation restrictions in your country before taking cuttings.

Accepted botanical name

Rosa

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.