Bonica rose
Rosa 'Meidomonac'
Bonica rose (Rosa 'Meidomonac') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 4–5 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. An easy, arching shrub rose covered in soft-pink double sprays all summer, then orange-red hips into winter. An award winner: disease-tolerant and dependable.
On the CSU listmedium water3–5 ft tall and 4–5 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: Salicyna, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Salicyna, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 3–5 ft tall and 4–5 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Reblooms
- Foliage
- Deciduous
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- ThornyIt is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids
- Blackspot and powdery mildew
- Japanese beetle
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Give it deep, regular water the first two seasons and steady moisture after; mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.
- Pruning: moderate.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bonica rose good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Bonica rose is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Bonica rose?
- The main things to know: It is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
- How big does Bonica rose get?
- It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 4–5 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Bonica rose?
- Space Bonica rose about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Bonica rose hardy on the Front Range?
- Bonica rose is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Bonica rose need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Bonica rose grow?
- Bonica rose is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Bonica rose native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Bonica rose deer-resistant?
- No. Bonica rose is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Bonica rose prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Bonica rose can be affected by aphids and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Bonica rose a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Bonica rose works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
- How long does Bonica rose bloom?
- Bonica rose reblooms through the season, especially if you deadhead spent flowers on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
