What does the word rugosa in gardening mean?

Answer 1

Rugosas are a specific class of rosas (roses) that are native to northern Asia, and the northern west and east coasts of North America. They are cold hardy and disease resistant. Rugosas grow into large shrubs (typically in the 5 to 6 foot height range) with dark green leaves that somewhat leathery and wrinkled in appearance. Rugosas become thick prickly shrubs that are tolerable to salt spray and are commonly found on the dunes of eastern coast of the U.S. As with most rosa varieties, many rugosas will not perform well or survive in areas south of US planting zone 8 due to the heat and humidity.

Rugosa means wrinkled.