How to Grow Pink Lights
Wikimedia Commons
Pink Lights
Rosa 'Pink Lights'
shrubPink Lights is a hardy shrub rose bred by the Canadian Department of Agriculture, known for its vibrant pink flowers and exceptional cold tolerance. It produces clusters of semi-double blooms throughout the growing season and develops attractive red hips in fall. This disease-resistant variety is ideal for northern gardens and landscapes requiring minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Pink Lights in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pink Lights timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pink Lights
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pink Lights
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Lights dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-6, exceptionally hardy in extreme cold climates
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Dormancy/Establishment
4-6 weeksNew canes emerge from soil or grafted base; minimal leaf growth initially
Plant in early spring or fall; water regularly to establish roots; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping away from stems
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksVigorous cane and leaf development; dense foliage with deep green leaves
Monitor for early pests; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; prune out weak or crossing canes; ensure adequate water
Flowering
6-10 weeks, repeat cycles through seasonAbundant clusters of pink semi-double flowers (2-3 inches wide) appear on branch tips
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering; feed with bloom-booster fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; water consistently
Hip Formation & Fall Color
8-12 weeksAs temperatures cool, flowers cease; red or orange hips develop; foliage may turn orange-red before dropping
Stop deadheading in late summer to allow hip formation; reduce fertilizing; continue moderate watering until freeze
Dormancy & Winter Hardiness
November through MarchCanes harden off and enter dormancy; plant survives extreme cold down to -40°F
Do not prune in fall; apply 4-6 inches of mulch around base after first hard frost; no watering needed; prune in early spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning; introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity by misting foliage; apply sulfur-based fungicide; use neem oil; ensure adequate watering
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil at dusk
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Remove affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap; apply spinosad
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Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves
Uses
Rose Hip Tea & Preserves
CulinaryThe vibrant red hips are rich in vitamin C and can be dried for herbal tea, made into jams, syrups, and marmalades, or used in traditional medicine preparations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdPink Lights produces long-stemmed, elegant pink blooms ideal for fresh floral arrangements, bouquets, and table centerpieces throughout the growing season. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalRose hips and petals have been used in traditional medicine to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve joint health due to their antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeThe abundant semi-double flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the blooming season; fall hips provide food for birds and wildlife. [source]
Dried Flowers & Petals
CraftPink petals and blooms can be dried for potpourri, craft projects, natural dyes, and decorative arrangements that retain their color for several months. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest cut flowers in early morning when blooms are fully open; cut stems at 45-degree angles above outward-facing leaves; remove lower foliage below water line. For hips, allow to fully develop in fall for ornamental interest or culinary use; collect after first frost when fully colored.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pink Lights is part of the Canadian 'Lights Series' of roses, developed specifically to survive winters in Canada's harshest climates with temperatures dropping to -40°F without winter protection.
- 🌱 Unlike many hybrid tea roses, Pink Lights requires minimal pruning and pest management, making it one of the easiest shrub roses to grow for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- 🌱 The plant was officially named a winner of the Northern Landscape Award and has become a staple in Canadian and northern U.S. gardens where tender rose varieties cannot survive.
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