Overview
Hybrid tea roses are the most widely recognized class of Rosa, reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m), defined by their large, high-centered, elegantly formed flowers borne singly (or with a few side buds) on long, straight stems. The class originated in 1867 with 'La France,' generally considered the first hybrid tea, a cross between a hybrid perpetual and a tea rose. Individual flowers are typically 3.5-5.5 inches (9-14 cm) across with 30-50+ petals, opening from a distinctively pointed, spiral bud into a high-centered bloom that eventually opens flat. The pointed bud and high-centered form are the hallmark features. Available in virtually every rose color: white, pink, red, yellow, orange, apricot, lavender, bicolor, and blends. Many cultivars are intensely fragrant. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, with 5-7 glossy, dark green, serrate leaflets. Growth habit is upright, somewhat stiff, and open. Repeat-blooming from late May through October. Among the most demanding of garden roses in terms of maintenance: susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, rust, and numerous insect pests. Many older cultivars lack disease resistance and require regular fungicide applications in the Pacific Northwest. The long-stemmed single blooms are the classic cutting rose. Typically grafted onto vigorous rootstock, often Rosa multiflora or 'Dr. Huey.'
Native Range
Complex hybrid origin dating from 1867. Key parent groups include tea roses (Rosa x odorata, from China) and hybrid perpetuals (complex European hybrids). The hybrid background involves numerous species including Rosa chinensis, Rosa gigantea, Rosa gallica, Rosa damascena, Rosa foetida, and others.Suggested Uses
Planted in dedicated rose beds, cutting gardens, and formal borders for flower production, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) apart. The classic cutting rose for arrangements. Less effective as landscape shrubs than floribundas or shrub roses due to the stiff, upright, somewhat bare habit. Disease-resistant cultivars for the Pacific Northwest include 'Mister Lincoln' (red, fragrant), 'Double Delight' (red/white bicolor, fragrant), 'Just Joey' (apricot, fragrant), and 'Olympiad' (red). Suitable for large containers (minimum 10-gallon).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Repeat-blooming from late May through October in the Pacific Northwest, in distinct flushes with the heaviest bloom in June and a strong rebloom in September. Individual blooms last 5-7 days on the plant, longer in cool weather. Deadheading is essential for continuous rebloom. Long stems make this the classic cutting rose.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water deeply 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) per week during the growing season, applied at the base. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Requires excellent air circulation. Requires fertile, well-drained soil with generous compost amendments. Mulch 2-3 inches (5-8 cm). Hybrid teas are the most disease-susceptible of the major rose classes. In the Pacific Northwest, black spot is the primary concern; select disease-resistant cultivars when possible. Preventive fungicide applications beginning in spring may be necessary for susceptible cultivars. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks May through August. Aphids, spider mites, and rose sawfly are common pests. Winter protection (mounding soil 8-10 inches / 20-25 cm around the base) may be needed in colder areas of the Pacific Northwest.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February through early March) as buds begin to swell. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased canes. Remove thin, weak canes smaller than pencil diameter. Reduce remaining canes to 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) tall, cutting to an outward-facing bud. Retain 3-5 strong, healthy canes forming a vase shape. Hybrid teas are pruned more severely than other classes to promote large, long-stemmed blooms. Deadhead throughout the growing season by cutting to the first 5-leaflet leaf.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons