The flowers on these roses are absolutely beautiful, and we would carry more of these and a great variety of native roses if it weren't for the invasive Japanese beetles that love them as much as we do. 
 
     We understand there are predators of Japanese beetles, including certain birds and a fly known as Tachinid, and we're looking forward to the day those predators figure out there is June-July feast of Japanese beetles at Tree Talk Natives. 
 
     Until then, we slap the beetles into buckets of water, and that does a decent job of controlling their populations.
 
     Other lovers of Swamp Rose include birds, butterflies, moths and native bees.  Birds also eat the pea-sized, red fruits that are called hips and appear generally from September through October.
 
     Swamp Rose is best suited in a moist, sunny area, although it will not grow in standing water.  Given room to spread, it forms a nice, rounded shrub.
 
     Photos: Creative Commons