Hi Smithgal: Home-soil tests are NOT accurate. Both Cottage-garden and I bought various soil tests from Menards, HomeDepot, and Lowe's ... none are accurate.

Hi Isak_light: Rugosa HATES alkaline clay. Rugosa become yellow in my heavy clay, at pH 7.7. When the soil is too compact with poor drainage, the "black eyeliner" will appear around the edges. Digging the plant up to loosen the soil with coarse sand is an option. Another option is to water with SOLUBLE gypum, that will loosen up compacted clay, and free-up tied-up nutrients. Rugosa is known as "beach rose" since it thrives in sandy and dry condition. Heavy clay isn't best for Rugosa.