Everything Roses

Hybrid Tea Rose

The result of two old timers getting together, the Hybrid Perpetual and the Tea Rose, these gorgeous modern flowers grow on long slender stems and bloom over a long growing season.





The Modern, or Hybrid Tea Rose, first appeared in 1867. Dozens of varieties are available today and new ones appear each year.

They have also become the most popular flower to give or receive on many special occasions.

A Hybrid Tea Rose will look fabulous in any garden.

Many rosarians plant them in rows by themselves, making maintenance much easier. Be sure to keep the area around them free of weeds and leaf debris.

Some gardeners tend to steer clear of this type because of their reputation for high maintenance.

For the most part, a hybrid tea rose will perform well and provide a profusion of blooms with only modest, (though regular) care.

One of the many wonderful things about this flower is that there are actually several thornless varieties!

When you're shopping for Hybrid Tea's look for tags that read 'smooth' on the label, which implies that the rose is thorn-free. You can find these flowers in every color, with the exception of blue.



Space your plants approximately 36 inches apart from one another.

This will ensure room for good growth and will allow for better air circulation.

For best performance, Hybrid Tea Roses require plenty of water during hot weather.

Although most gardens only require a good soaking every two weeks, other gardens will require a weekly soaking.

Regardless of the schedule, if the ground looks dry and cracked, you'll need to water your flowers.

Placing a good clean mulch around your roses is a very good idea. The mulch will help prevent weeds, protect the roots against temperature extremes and also conserve moisture.

A Hybrid Tea Rose will most likely reach its full height after approximately three years. Even after pruning, the flower will grow back to this height annually.

It's important that your roses receive plenty of sun. Roses require a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sun per day. Warm morning sun will dry up excess moisture and dew, which will help prevent diseases from developing.

In February, when your roses are dormant, will be the proper time to prune. (For more detail on proper pruning techniques or disease prevention click on the links provided here or below).

Your first step will be to remove any dead branches or damaged canes. Look for lively, green canes or sprouts and take care not to damage them, as these are the canes that will produce new buds in the spring.

Next, prune the remaining healthy canes back to where new growth is likely to occur, just above where a leaf is attached to the cane is fine.

How far back to prune will depend on the amount of growth acquired the previous year. In general pruning no more than 50% of last years growth is fine.

Finally, prune for shape and to promote good air circulation, then remove any debris or weeds from your garden. Now you're ready for spring.





As spring approaches and your roses begin to grow, you will need to fertilize and add some organic material to your soil.

A good general purpose, slow release fertilizer with iron should last about 1 to 2 months. However, roses are heavy feeders and for best performance will need regular feedings and water.

More on watering

The "AARS" label stands for "All-American Rose Selections".

This is a non-profit organization of growers and introducers of high quality, easy to grow roses. For more information on AARS please follow the above link.

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!