The Disease-Resistant Rose Variety That Makes A Stunning Groundcover

Choosing the right groundcover for your yard in an investment in your garden's visual appeal and health, no matter the season. As you explore what groundcovers are and if you really need them, you'll learn they're good at boosting the appearance of your backyard while also offering weed and erosion reduction. However, due to the thick, sprawling foliage growing so close to the ground, there is less air circulation and an increased risk for disease. With this eye-catching flower, however, you can reap the functional (and visual) benefits of groundcover without worrying about disease.

Don't let the appearance of the pink drift rose (Rosa 'Meijocos') fool you — this flowering groundcover is more than just looks. While 'Meijocos' can shine as a show-stopper in your yard, thanks to its vibrant pink flowers that bloom from the end of spring into fall, it's also hardy, helping it to stand up to tough conditions and return year after year. These flowers are prized for their ability to bloom in a variety of environments, making them versatile, but they're also designed specifically with disease resistance in mind. As a result, whereas mildew or mold may be a common problem with other types of plants, 'Meijocos' offers durability fit for life as groundcover. This is especially true given that they tend to cap out at around 2 feet in height.

While 'Meijocos' can be low-maintenance, that doesn't mean they're entirely hands-free. Instead, they require some care to thrive in your yard, from proper placement to day-to-day support.

The first step to cultivating healthy, thriving roses in your yard is to choose the right location for your Rosa 'Meijocos' plant. These flowers are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10, with mulched roots helping them to grow successfully in the colder areas of their range. As with many flowering plants, they do require full sun exposure. If you're looking for groundcover that's perfect for shady areas where grass won't grow, a different plant may do better in those spots.

On the bright side, you won't need to worry about hours spent deadheading flowers — they rebloom well without it throughout the season. Instead, true to their title as a low-maintenance plant, these roses can thrive with just a little trimming to keep them visually appealing and encourage more blooms. However, it is important to establish a regular, consistent watering routine for your roses. This is especially true during any periods of drought. The goal is to provide them with enough water to prevent dry conditions while avoiding overwatering to the point of waterlogging the ground. Choosing a site with well-draining soil helps here.

'Meijocos' can grow both in containers and when sown directly around your garden as a border plant or groundcover. This allows you to take full advantage of their ability to thrive as groundcover. These roses can also attract pollinators, which makes them perfect for filling any empty space when starting your own pollinator-friendly garden.