Actually I would give this book 0 stars, but there is no way to do so. I've received free rose catalogs that have had better photos and more information than this book has. This book misses such vital information as winnings by the roses listed, scent ratings, sizes, etc. We own many of the roses listed in Rosa Rugosa and find that the author is misguided in her critiques of them. I can't recommend this book to anyone who loves roses unless they have money to throw away on books or simply can't find anything else to buy. If you want a really good book on roses, including much info on rugosas, buy Lois Hole's Roses.

Suzanne Verrier's book should be considered the rose bible for northern climates. The book provides complete descriptions, photographs and parental lineage for winter hardy rosa rugosa roses. I've found no other book that contains as much comparative detail for growing organic roses in zone 4/5. Her personal comments are a strong indication of her passion, dedication and personal experience growing these wonderful roses. I no longer purchase a rugosa without looking it up first in this guide. All of the 20 varities growing in my garden are testament to how indispensable this book is.

In the many, many rose books I own this class of rose receives a short description and just a few of its roses are described. This type of rose DESERVES more attention! It can be the answer to your prayers! I grew the top rated modern roses in the world in South Texas - used a lot of rigor in the selection process to pick the hardiest, most disease free roses - the landscaper built raised beds with perfectly composed soil and automatic watering - and I watched those roses struggle against the heat and their leaves be consumed by disease and pests - no amount of spraying could help. And then ... drum roll... I planted my first Rugosa - and there it sat - unsprayed and undemanding, growing on its own roots - gleaming bright green ruffly leaves, branches covered, lovely old rose blossoms - with not a touch of black spot or anything else - while just feet away my wonderful modern roses were decimated. This book will provide you what you need to know about this cate! gory - it has lovely photographs of a wide number of rugosas. It has a very useful matrix the provides at a glance the rugosa's name, size, type foliage, blossom description, how often it blooms, how fragrant it is, its hardiness, disease characteristics and whether it makes hips. Its well worth the investment. I'm very glad I bought it and when I prune my library, it won't ever be pruned away!