Hybrid Tea Roses

To most rose lovers the hybrid tea represents the culmination of the quest for ideal form and coloring in a rose, with a classic high-centered form and colors that range from rich reds, yellows, and oranges to delicate whites, pinks, and lavenders, with exotic blends of all shades in between. To show off their large and exemplary flowers, most hybrid teas have long, strong stems that make them the most popular roses for cutting. A cross between the exquisite but tender tea rose and the hardy hybrid perpetual, the hybrid tea embodies the best of both lineages, with often fragrant flowers that bloom repeatedly all summer on tolerably winter-hardy plants. Most hybrid teas produce one flower per stem, but a few bloom in sprays. Plant size and hardiness range according to variety. If hybrid teas have a weak point it is that the plant form is less useful for landscaping than that of floribundas, shrub roses, and miniatures.

Hybrid tea roses should be planted only where winter temperatures do not drop below -10°F (-23°C), and they should not be planted in regions where summers combine heat and humidity.

Basically, these are roses for the southwestern United States, the less humid parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, the milder sections of the Rocky Mountain West, the Midwest, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and coastal British Columbia. But a few hybrid teas grow and bloom well even in the upper Southeast - though these are not the ones you will customarily find at the local garden center.

The principal virtue of the hybrid teas is the perfection of their long-stemmed, high-centered blossoms. Averaging 4 - 5 in (10.2 - 12.7cm) in diameter, these may in exceptional cases run as small as 3 1/2 in (8.9cm) or as large as 5 1/2 in (14cm). They are the classic florist roses, and with good reason. As shrubs, the hybrid teas tend to be twiggy and somewhat ungainly, so ingenuity is required to work them into the garden.

'Admiral Rodney' Roses (Introduced - 1973)

The flowers of 'Admiral Rodney' are soft, pale rose-pink, with a deeper coloration on the reverse sides of the petals. The highly fragrant blooms of this variety are 4 to 6 inches across, with 45 petals and an exquisite high-centered form. Large, glossy, dark green foliage resists most rose diseases except rust. Plants grow about 4 feet tall and exhibit good winter hardiness. This variety is at its best during its first flush of bloom.

'Alec's Red' Roses (Introduced - 1970)

One of the common criticisms of hybrid tea roses is that their flowers lack fragrance. 'Alec's Red' proves that this isn't necessarily true. Its heavily scented flowers are crimson to cherry in color and very large, up to 6 in (15cm) across, and full (45 petals). Stockier than most hybrid teas, this rose can, with some attention to pruning, make a fine border specimen, especially in cool climates where the growth tends to be more compact. In warmer regions, its upright, vigorous growth makes it best suited to training against a wall or up a fence or pillar.

'Aloha' Roses (Introduced - 1949)

The cup-shaped blossoms of 'Aloha' are double or very double, 3 to 5 inches wide, and very fragrant. They appear in abundance both early in the season and again in the fall, with fairly good production in between. Petals are a clear rose pink on the inside, with a darker pink reverse; centers are shaded a warm orange-pink. Foliage is dark, glossy, and leathery.
Although it's classed as a climber, this rose can be grown as an upright shrub. Or, the nodding habit of its blooms can be shown to advantage growing over a wall, where they can be viewed from below. As a compact climber, it's a good choice for growing on a pillar. Flowers are excellent for cutting.

'Big Purple' Roses (Introduced - 1986)

As the name implies, these 35-petaled flowers are enormous-up to 6 inches across- and their color is true purple, like grape juice. In addition to their large size, the flowers also have a wonderful fragrance. The 4- to 5-foot plant has medium to dark green foliage with a grayish coating that helps keep the plant disease resistant. This rose is also quite hardy.

'Blue Moon' Roses (Introduced - 1964)

Although there has never been a blue rose, 'Blue Moon' rose comes closer than many others. Its close-to-blue lavender flowers have 40 petals and measure 3 to 4 1/2 inches across. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet high. Like most lavender roses, 'Blue Moon' has a strong fragrance. This rose is also fairly winter hardy and has good disease resistance.

'Bobby Charlton' Roses (Introduced - 1974)

The superbly formed, 6-inch flowers of this variety are deep pink on the insides of the petals and silvery on the outsides. The blooms, with 35 to 40 petals, also have a pleasant, spicy fragrance. They contrast nicely with the dark green, leathery leaves that have fairly good disease resistance, although they are somewhat prone to mildew. Plants grow about 5 feet tall. However, plants tend to be a little too tender in colder areas,  unless they receive a lot of protection.

'Bride's Dream' Roses (Introduced - 1985)

The large double flowers of 'Bride's Dream' are pale pink, high centered, and lightly fragrant. They usually occur singly on the stem and appear in great abundance throughout the growing season. Foliage is dark green, and stems bear brown prickles.
The plant is a strong grower with a tall, upright habit. This rose can be situated in beds or borders, and its flowers are excellent for cutting and exhibition. 'Bride's Dream' is judged by some growers to be the best hybrid tea in its color class.

'Broadway' Roses (Introduced - 1986)

Blooms of 'Broadway' rose have 35 petals and are high centered, 4 to 5 inches across, and a lovely yellow with the petal edges tipped in pink. They also have a delicious fragrance. Plants grow 5 to 6 feet tall and are clothed with large, dark green, leathery foliage that resists disease. 'Broadway' also has better-than-average winter hardiness.

'Canadian White Star' Roses (Introduced - 1980)

As the 40 to 45 sparkling white petals of this variety open, they quill back in such a way that they form the outline of a multi-pointed star 3 to 4 inches across. The plants grow 5 to 6 feet tall and have medium to dark green, leathery, semi-glossy leaves. Another identifying characteristic of this variety is its large, hooked thorns. For best results, grow this rose in coastal climates as it does not take well to heat.

'Cary Grant' Roses (Introduced - 1987)

Blooms of 'Cary Grant' rose are an eye-catching bright orange with a lighter reverse and have an excellent high-centered form and spicy fragrance. Flowers are 5 inches across and have 35 to 40 petals. Stems commendably firm for cutting are covered with dark green, glossy foliage on plants that can grow 4 to 5 feet tall.

'Century Two' Roses (Introduced - 1971)

Long, pointed buds open into medium pink, double, cupped, slightly fragrant flowers that are 5 inches across. The bushy, upright plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall, with leathery foliage and good winter hardiness. Plants are somewhat mildew prone.

'Charlotte Armstrong' Roses (Introduced - 1940)

Named for a member of one of the original rose-growing families in the United States, 'Charlotte Armstrong' is pretty in its own right but most revered as the parent of many of today's modern hybrid teas. The flowers are deep pink to light red with 35 petals, and measure 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches across. Blooms have a light tea fragrance and are loose and informal in shape. Plants can grow 5 to 6 feet tall and have dark green, leathery leaves.

'Chicago Peace' Roses (Introduced - 1962)

This sport of 'Peace' was discovered by a gardener in her backyard in Chicago. There have been many sports of 'Peace', but this one is the best. Like its parent, this rose has large, 5- to 6-inch, high-centered flowers with about 60 petals. But instead of being primarily yellow; as 'Peace' is, the blooms are a blend of deep rose pink, light pink, and apricot, with yellow at the base of the petals. Bushes grow 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet tall and have leathery, dark green shiny leaves that are prone to black spot. On the plus side, 'Chicago Peace' is very winter hardy.

'Christian Dior' Roses (Introduced - 1958)

The formal, high-centered bud opens into a cupped, full, 4- to 6-inch flower with 50 to 60 petals. The clear, glowing, medium cherry red flowers can burn and turn black on the petal edges in hot, dry gardens, so it is best to grow 'Christian Dior' rose where there is afternoon shade. Plants grow 3 1/2 to 5 feet tall and have large, leathery semi-glossy leaves on almost thornless canes. Plants can be prone to mildew.

'Chrysler Imperial' Roses (Introduced - 1952)

This rose created a sensation in 1952, and more than four decades later, it remains one of the best of its class. Its 4 1/2 - 5 in (11.5 - 12.8cm) blossoms are double and deep red, with a velvety sheen and a strong citrus scent. Superb in a mixed border, 'Chrysler Imperial' also excels as a source of cut flowers.
This rose is best suited to regions with temperate winters and warm, dry summers. Where summers are cool, not only is 'Chrysler Imperial' prone to mildew, but the blossoms can take on an unattractive purplish tone.

'Color Magic' Roses (Introduced - 1978)

As the flowers of 'Color Magic' mature, they change from ivory, to ivory tinged with light pink, to coral, and finally to dark pink. This color change is intensified by sunlight and high heat. The 5-inch-wide blooms with 20 to 30 petals are cupped when fully open, and are slightly fragrant. Bushes grow 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall and bear large, dark green, semi-glossy leaves that are fairly disease resistant. 'Color Magic' rose is extremely tender where winters are cold.

'Command Performance' Roses (Introduced - 1970)

Flowers of 'Command Performance' are 4 inches across when fully open, and the 25 petals reflex (curl under) in such a way that the rose eventually takes on a star-shaped appearance. Flowers are orange-red sometimes suffused with blue, and are highly fragrant. Leathery foliage clothes the upright, bushy, 5- to 6-foot plants.

'Crimson Glory' Roses (Introduced - 1935)

'Crimson Glory' produces pointed black-red buds and deep crimson velvety flowers with purple shading. Fully opened, the 3- to 4-inch blossoms are double with 30 to 35 petals and splendidly fragrant. Flower necks tend to be weak, allowing the blooms to nod.
The plant has a spreading, asymmetrical habit suitable for a bed or border. This rose produces blooms only on old wood and makes a fine specimen on an arbor or trellis where the nodding habit of its flowers is a viewing asset. Climbing form that grows 10 to 12 feet is also available. Both forms develop leathery dark green leaves and thrive in warm climates, but should be protected from the hottest sun if purple tones are objectionable.

'Dainty Bess' Roses (Introduced - 1925)

The silvery pink flowers of 'Dainty Bess' are unusual for a hybrid tea in several respects: they are single, with only five large, wavy petals; the petals surround a center of stamens that are colored deep maroon; and the flowers close at night. Blooms that develop in the shade of the leaves tend to be lighter in color. They are fragrant and long-lasting, both on the stem and when cut.
Plants are sturdy, vigorous, and upright, with abundant dark green leathery foliage. This rose's constant production of flowers makes it a fine choice in a bed or border. Despite its name, it's tough, tolerant of harsh weather, and resistant to disease.

'Diamond Jubilee' Roses (Introduced - 1947)

Named for the seventy-fifth anniversary of Jackson and Perkins Company, the largest rose nursery in the United States, 'Diamond Jubilee' has flowers of buff yellow to apricot. The blooms are 5 to 6 inches across, with 30 to 45 petals, a delightful fruity fragrance, and a cupped, decorative shape. Compact plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and have dark green, leathery leaves. This rose was once classified as a floribunda, and it has the blooming characteristics of one, as it usually produces its flowers in sprays.

'Dolly Parton' Roses (Introduced - 1984)

Like its show-business namesake, this rose is larger than life, with huge 6- to 7-inch double blooms that are extremely long lasting as cut flowers. Fragrance is exceptionally strong and spicy, and the bright orange-red blooms are attractively set off by dark green, slightly glossy leaves. Plants grow about 4 feet tall. Unfortunately, bloom production can be sparse and the plant is tender and prone to mildew.

'Double Delight' Roses (Introduced - 1977)

This is a chameleon hybrid tea: its buds open creamy white with a strawberry edge, but then its petals gradually darken to all red. The flowers have a spicy scent and reappear throughout the season. They make long-lasting cut flowers.
Because its flowers are so striking -gaudy, some would say -this is not the easiest rose to integrate into a garden design, but 'Double Delight' does make an eye-catching accent in the landscape, and it is one of the best-performing hybrid tea roses in the Southeast.

'Duet' Roses (Introduced - 1960)

Generally blooming in sprays, 'Duet' rose has a long vase life and is therefore an excellent cut flower. The 4-inch blooms with 25 to 35 petals are a dusty coral-pink with darker tones on the undersides of the petals; flowers have an informal, decorative form. Flowers are fragrant and bloom on 4 1/2 - to 5 1/2-foot plants that have leathery, medium green, hollylike leaves.

'Dynasty' Roses (Introduced - 1989)

Flowers of bright orange with flashing yellow on the reverse sides of the petals are 4 to 5 inches across with 30 petals. The most outstanding feature of this 5-foot-high variety is its long cutting stems.

'Electron' Roses (Introduced - 1970)

Called 'Mullard Jubilee' in Europe, in honor of an electronics company, 'Electron' rose has flowers of rich, deep, glowing electric pink with a very heavy fragrance. The circular flowers have 30 to 35 petals and open to 5 inches across. Repeating quickly all summer, 'Electron' has medium green, leathery leaves and extremely thorny canes. Compact, slightly spreading plants grow 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet high, making them good choices for the front of a bed, and have good winter hardiness.

'Elina' Roses (Introduced - 1985)

The large double blooms of 'Elina' (also known as 'Peaudouce') are a delicate pale yellow to ivory. Beautifully formed flowers appear continuously throughout the season, each bearing around 35 petals and producing a light fragrance. Leaves are large, glossy, and dark green, providing a dramatic foil for the flowers.
The plants are vigorous and upright. Blossoms are produced in abundance on long, straight stems, making this rose an excellent source for cut roses. This rose is hardy and resistant to black spot but somewhat susceptible to mildew.

'First Prize' Roses (Introduced - 1970)

Gorgeous large pointed buds open to high-centered rosy pink flowers with ivory centers. Each 5- to 6-inch double blossom has 25 to 35 petals. These are borne singly or in small clusters on strong stems and are mildly fragrant. Leaves are dark and leathery.
'First Prize' rose has an upright habit and can be very effective in a bed or border, where it will produce abundant flowers all summer. The classical form of its huge buds and open blossoms and its long vase life make it an ideal selection for cut flowers and exhibitions. This rose is tender and fairly resistant to black spot.

'Flaming Beauty' Roses (Introduced - 1978)

One of the best commercial products to come from an amateur hybridizer, 'Flaming Beauty' rose has perfect, high-centered blooms of yellow brushed with reddish orange. The brightly colored double blooms are 4 inches across. Plants are 3 to 4 feet high and slightly spreading, with fair winter hardiness. Watch out for mildew.

'Folklore' Roses (Introduced - 1977)

Breeding vigor and toughness into its roses without sacrificing beauty has long been a specialty of the German nursery Wilhelm Kordes Söhne, and 'Folklore' is a fine example of this art. Its tall, semi-climbing habit makes 'Folklore' an excellent choice for a tall hedge or barrier, and its tendency to bloom later than most hybrid teas (with good repeat in the fall) extends the rose season. The blossoms are large, double, and very fragrant, and the pale undersides lend a dramatic note of contrast to the orange-pink of the petals.

'Fragrant Cloud' Roses (Introduced - 1963)

'Fragrant Cloud' is named for its scent, which is among the most powerful of all roses and is both sweet and spicy. The double flowers are 4 to 5 inches across and coral red, deepening to a purplish red as they age. Blooms are composed of 25 to 30 petals and are produced in great numbers throughout the summer. The leaves are large, dark, and semi-glossy.
The plant is vigorous and upright; its freely branching habit makes this rose well suited to a border or bed. The rose is highly valued as a cut flower both for its appearance and for its perfume. Leaves are subject to mildew.

'Fragrant Memory' Roses (Introduced - 1974)

Introduced in 1974 as 'Jadis', this rose was removed from the marketplace in 1979 because Jackson and Perkins thought the name was too difficult for most people to pronounce. This rose was reintroduced in 1989 with its present and more evocative name. One of the most fragrant roses ever hybridized, 'Fragrant Memory' has long, slender flowers of lively pink with a slight lavender fluorescence. When fully open, the 25-petaled flower measures 4 1/2 to 5 inches across. Plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall and have long cutting stems and better-than-average hardiness.

'Garden Party' Roses (Introduced - 1959)

The lightly fragrant blooms of 'Garden Party' are pale yellow fading to white, with light pink petal tips. Each flower is cup shaped and double, with petals flaring 4 to 5 inches across. Their color deepens somewhat in fall. They bloom profusely in midseason, with a good repeat. Leaves are semi-glossy and dark green with reddish undersides.
The vigorous, bushy plants are valuable in the garden, where they are especially dramatic when planted in large groups. The flowers are excellent for cutting. 'Garden Party' rose is somewhat susceptible to mildew and may develop black spot in damp weather.

'Graceland' Roses (Introduced - 1989)

Exceptionally bright golden yellow color characterizes 'Graceland'. The high-centered flowers are 4 to 5 inches wide, with 30 to 35 ruffled petals; they bloom in sprays on long cutting stems. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall and have better-than-average disease resistance.

'Granada' Roses (Introduced - 1963)

The 4- to 5-inch blooms of 'Granada' rose are extremely colorful, including shades of yellow, pink, and orange-red. Buds are spiraled, opening to high-centered double flowers that flatten with age and emit a rich, spicy fragrance. Blossoms are borne singly or in clusters continuously throughout the season. Leaves are leathery, crinkled, dark green, and distinctly serrated.
Plants are upright, vigorous, and bushy. They can be grown in beds or borders and provide a constant source of spectacularly colored flowers for indoor arrangements. While resistant to black spot, plants are prone to mildew.

'Headliner' Roses (Introduced - 1985)

The petals of 'Headliner' are creamy white, blending to deep pink and then red at the edges. The inner petals have only a narrow band of color, while the outer petals are almost completely brushed in cerise. The petal count is high, at 40 to 60, and open blooms measure 4 inches across. The medium green leaves have good disease resistance and heavily cover a 5-foot plant.

'Helen Traubel' Roses (Introduced - 1951)

This is an unusually adaptable rose for a hybrid tea, and although it originated in California, this rose grows well in cool as well as hot climates. 'Helen Traubel' sports huge (5-6 in [12.7-1 5.2cm]), double, pink and apricot flowers on a tall, vigorous plant with leathery, matte green foliage. The only defect is that the flowers tend to have "weak necks" -that is, the stems are slender, so the blossoms nod rather than stand stiffly erect. This habit is graceful in the landscape, but it makes 'Helen Traubel' flowers poor material for cutting and arranging.

'Honor' Roses (Introduced - 1980)

This rose has long-lasting white to yellowish white flowers on long cutting stems. The slightly fragrant flowers have 20 to 25 petals and open to 3 to 4 inches wide. Fully opened, the flowers are cupped and loose. The upright plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall and often have slender canes and large, dark green, leathery leaves. 'Honor' has better than-average disease resistance and winter hardiness, especially for a white rose.

'Ingrid Bergman' Roses (Introduced - 1983)

This rose commemorating the late Swedish-born actress has slightly fragrant blooms of dark red set off by dark green foliage. Flowers have 35 to 40 petals and open 4 to 5 1/2 inches across. The most outstanding feature of this rose is its exceptional winter hardiness. Upright plants grow 4 1/2 feet tall.

'Irish Gold' Roses (Introduced - 1966)

Known in Europe as 'Grandpa Dickson' (after a patriarch of the Northern Ireland rose breeding clan), 'Irish Gold' rose has clear, pale yellow flowers whose petals quill when the flower is open, giving it a star-shaped outline. Occasionally the petals have a pale pink edge. Flowers are 5 to 6 inches across with 30 to 35 petals, and have a light, sweet fragrance. The bushy plants reach a height of 3 to 4 1/2 feet and have leathery, glossy, dark green foliage.

'John F. Kennedy' Roses (Introduced - 1965)

W. Gene Boerner of Jackson and Perkins had planned to name this variety after himself, but following the assassination the company named it for the late president instead. The green-tinged buds of 'John F. Kennedy' open into 5- to 5 1/2-inch white flowers of 45 to 50 petals. This variety is the most fragrant among popular white hybrid teas. Its disease-resistant foliage is dark green and leathery. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall.

'Just Joey' Roses (Introduced - 1972)

Blossoms of 'Just Joey' are 4 to 6 inches across, composed of 30 exceptionally large petals with interestingly frilly edges. Buds are large, elegantly pointed, and brandy colored, opening to double apricot blooms that lighten as they mature. Flowers bear a deep fruity scent. Both the flowers and their fragrance are long-lasting. Leaves are large and glossy, and stems are prickly.
Plants are rather squat and spreading, with a moderate growth rate. They are fairly disease resistant. The flowers are particularly outstanding for indoor arrangements because of their large size and long vase life.

'Keepsake' Roses (Introduced - 1981)

Borne singly or in small clusters, the oval buds of 'Keepsake' open to 5-inch double blooms. The flowers are high-centered and deep pink with lighter pink shades, and are fragrant. Foliage is dark green, large, and glossy, and canes are armed with stout prickles.
Plants are upright and bushy. They are effective in beds or borders, and the flowers are excellent for cutting and exhibition. Though somewhat tender, this rose is very disease resistant. This rose performs best in climates with cool summers.

'King's Ransom' Roses (Introduced - 1961)

Blooms of 'King's Ransom' are medium to deep yellow, and the color does not fade in the heat, which happens with many other yellow roses. Flowers are 4 to 5 inches wide with 35 to 40 petals. They have a pleasing fragrance and grow on long stems for cutting. Plants are 4 1/2 to 5 feet tall with moderately thorny canes. 'King's Ransom' rose is reasonably winter hardy; a surprising attribute for a yellow rose, but is often slow to rebloom during the summer.

'Kordes Perfecta' Roses (Introduced - 1957)

Urn-shaped buds of this highly fragrant rose open into 4 1/2- to 5-inch very double flowers with 65 to 70 petals. The high-centered, slender blooms are creamy white, edged with red. As the temperature climbs, more red appears on the flowers, spreading downward from the edges. Cutting stems are long and strong on this 4- to 5-foot plant that has dark green, leathery, glossy foliage. 'Kordes Perfecta' is a sparse bloomer but quite winter hardy.

'Lady X' Roses (Introduced - 1966)

Long, pointed buds open into high-centered, slender, 4-inch double flowers of pale lavender that often have a pinkish cast. As the petals open they curl back on themselves, quill-like, to form a star shape. Unlike most lavender roses, 'Lady X' is not richly fragrant. Fairly disease resistant and a prolific bloomer, this is one of the tallest roses in its color class, reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet.

'La France' Roses (Introduced - 1867)

Although no longer grown widely, this living heirloom is considered to be the first hybrid tea and thus the first modern rose. Its petals are silvery pink on the insides and brighter pink on the outsides, and its flowers are more decorative in shape than those of modern hybrid teas. The fragrant blooms measure 3 to 4 1/2 inches across, with 60 petals. Plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and have semi-glossy leaves.

'Lafter' Roses (Introduced - 1948)

This rose produces semi-double flowers that are a blend of bright, warm colors; the salmon pink petals are yellow at the base and have an apricot reverse. Each large, fragrant flower is loosely cup shaped; petals surround visible yellow stamens. Leaves are light green and leathery, and canes have red prickles Bloom begins late in the season and continues in waves.
The plants are vigorous and bushy, with graceful, arching canes. They can be planted in beds and borders or used as a colorful hedge. 'Lafter' rose is probably the most disease resistant hybrid tea, and it's also hardier than most.

'Las Vegas' Roses (Introduced - 1981)

Evoking the desert colors of a Las Vegas sunrise, or the busy neon of its famous Strip, 'Las Vegas' rose has gleaming orange-yellow buds that open to reveal petals that are rich orange-red on the insides and golden yellow on the outsides. Flowers are 4 inches across, with 25 petals, and are deliciously fragrant. The medium green, glossy foliage is highly resistant to mildew and the 4- to 5-foot bushy plant is very hardy.

'Madame Violet' Roses (Introduced - 1981)

This robust, 4- to 5-foot plant with gray-green, semi-glossy foliage is somewhat more disease resistant than average. Its high-centered, 3- to 4-inch flowers, which usually bloom in sprays, have 45 petals and open into a perfect spiral in shades of lilac with a pink tint. Plants bloom sparsely but are fairly winter hardy.

'Marijke Koopman' Roses (Introduced - 1979)

The long pointed buds of this flower open into satiny pink, 4-inch flowers with 25 petals. The fragrant blooms usually appear in sprays of three to five and rebloom prolifically throughout the summer. Foliage is dark green and leathery, growing along stems with conspicuous red thorns. The vigorous plants reach about 4 feet in height.

'Miss All-American Beauty' Roses (Introduced - 1967)

Known as 'Maria Callas' in Europe, 'Miss All-American Beauty' rose has 4- to 5-inch cupped flowers with 50 to 60 petals each. The highly fragrant blooms are such a deep pink color that they are almost red. Leaves are leathery on a bushy; 3- to 4-foot plant that is very winter hardy.

'Mister Lincoln' Roses (Introduced - 1964)

For many rose lovers, 'Mister Lincoln' defines the long-stemmed red rose, and for more than 30 years this cultivar has remained a favorite. An unusually consistent bloomer, this dark red hybrid tea provides a long season of large (5-6 in [12.7-15.2cm]), double flowers with a strong perfume. Supposed to be somewhat prone to mildew in cool climates and shady spots, 'Mister Lincoln' is one of the hybrid teas that perform well in the Southeast.

'Mon Cheri' Roses (Introduced - 1981)

Opening from a bright pink bud, this 1982 All-America Rose Selection has petals whose edges darken to red as the flower matures. The 4 1/2-inch blooms with 30 to 35 petals are more decorative than high centered, and have a light, spicy fragrance. The compact, spreading plants grow 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. 'Mon Cheri' rose repeats its blooming cycle extremely quickly, has better-than-average disease resistance, and is very winter hardy.

'Olympiad' Roses (Introduced - 1982)

The official flower of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, this rose is as impressive a performer as any of the athletes at those games, for it thrives in such disparate climates as southern California and coastal New England. This cultivar's brilliant medium red, double flowers have an especially velvety texture. If you protect yourself from its thorns, you will find 'Olympiad' to be an excellent source of long-lasting cut flowers. Its thorniness, however, makes it an unusually secure barrier when planted as a hedge.

'Osiria' Roses (Introduced - 1978)

Large (4- to 6-inch), well-formed, high-centered flowers with 50 to 60 petals are dark red on the inside of the petals and silvery white on the outside. The highly fragrant blooms repeat very quickly, especially for a large rose. Plants can grow 5 to 6 feet high, have dark green, semi-glossy, black spot-resistant foliage that is prone to mildew, and are very winter hardy.

'Papa Meilland' Roses (Introduced - 1963)

Pointed buds open into high-centered, 4- to 6-inch flowers with 35 petals. The color is rich, velvety crimson and the rose is one of the most fragrant. The leathery leaves are dull medium green on a 4- to 5-foot plant.

'Paradise' Roses (Introduced - 1978)

The long, pointed buds of 'Paradise' open to 3 1/2- to 4 1/2- inch silvery lavender blossoms whose petals are edged with ruby red. Flowers are double and beautifully formed, with 25 to 30 petals curling to create a bull's-eye center. Their fragrance is fruity. Leaves are glossy and dark green.
Plants are medium height and have an upright, well branched habit. They can be used in beds or borders, where they provide a continuous display of blooms. The flowers are excellent for cutting. 'Paradise' rose is hardy but may be prone to mildew.

'Pascali' Roses (Introduced - 1963)

Many gardeners consider this to be the very finest white rose, and, in fact, 'Pascali' was voted the world's favorite rose of any color in 1991. Certainly, 'Pascali' makes an outstanding contribution to a mixed border of shrubs and flowers and is an excellent source of long-lasting cut flowers. Its green-tinged buds are of the classic hybrid tea type, and they open in a display of lightly fragrant, pure white blossoms that persists more or less continuously throughout the growing season.
The disease and pest resistance of 'Pascali' is outstanding for a hybrid tea, but like nearly all of its class, this rose is somewhat susceptible to blackspot; plant this rose in an airy spot with full sun.

'Peace' Roses (Introduced - 1945)

The story of this rose is pure melodrama. This rose was bred in France in the last years before World War II, and escaped as unnamed cuttings in the last American diplomatic bag to leave the country before the Nazi conquest. Recognized as a winner, the rose was propagated by an American nursery and released in 1945. Because it returned with the peace to a liberated France, that was the name the rose was given. Later, the 'Peace' rose decorated all the tables at the organizational meeting of the United Nations.
Amazingly, this flower has lived up to all the promotional ballyhoo. Its flowers are lush, large and double, pale yellow edged with rose-pink. Vigorous, healthy, and hardy throughout most of the range of the hybrid teas, 'Peace' has demonstrated some susceptibility to blackspot in the Southeast.

'Perfect Moment' Roses (Introduced - 1989)

'Perfect Moment' rose has unique, flamboyant yellow-based flowers with red edges that stand out in a rose bed. The long-lasting flowers are high-centered, 4 to 4 1/2 inches across, and slightly fragrant, and have 35 petals. Plants grow 4 1/2 feet tall and have dark green foliage with excellent disease resistance.

'Pink Peace' Roses (Introduced - 1959)

Like its parent, 'Peace', this very double rose has flowers with 50 to 65 petals that open to 6 inches across. Unlike its parent, 'Pink Peace' is a solid-colored medium to deep pink with a heavy fragrance. The flowers are rounded to cupped and decorative in shape. Plants grow 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet high, have medium green, dull, leathery leaves. They have better-than-average disease resistance and are winter hardy.

'Polarstern' Roses (Introduced - 1982)

Massive creamy white buds tinged with yellow at their bases open into perfectly formed, high-centered 3- to 4-inch roses with 35 petals. The leaves are medium green and covered with a grayish waxy coating that virtually guarantees their disease resistance. Bushy plants grow 5 to 6 feet high and have good winter hardiness.

'Portrait' Roses (Introduced - 1971)

Fragrant double flowers, 3 to 4 inches wide, are a lovely blend of ivory shading to light and dark pink toward the edges. The leaves are dark green and glossy, clothing a 5- to 6-foot plant that is very winter hardy. This rose is yet another successful innovation by an amateur breeder.

'Precious Platinum' Roses (Introduced - 1974)

The clear medium red flowers of 'Precious Platinum' are long lasting as cut flowers and repeat their bloom very quickly. Flowers are 3 to 4 inches wide, with 35 to 40 petals and a slight fragrance. The somewhat spreading plant with moderately thorny canes grows 4 feet tall and is quite winter hardy. Leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny, with better-than -average disease resistance.

'Princesse de Monaco' Roses (Introduced - 1981)

This rose was named in honor of Grace Kelly and is sometimes known by that name in Europe. The petals of this flower are cream colored and edged in shades of pink to cerise. The 35-petaled, 4- to 6-inch flowers have the high-centered form and symmetrical swirl of petals that characterize exhibition-quality blooms. Flowers are deliciously fragrant as well. Foliage is large, dark green, and glossy on a bushy, 3- to 4-foot plant.

'Pristine' Roses (Introduced - 1978)

Gardenia-like 'Pristine' blooms are lightly scented and colored a delicate ivory with a fragile pink blush. The long, spiraled buds open to 4- to 6-inch high-centered double flowers, each with 25 to 35 large petals. Flowers usually appear singly on stems but may be clustered; they bloom in midseason and repeat sparsely. Leaves are also large and are attractively colored a glossy reddish green.
Despite their daintily colored flowers, 'Pristine' plants are extremely vigorous, requiring greater space and more rigorous pruning than most other hybrid teas. They are well placed in a bed or border. For cutting, the flowers should be harvested when they are barely open to lengthen their vase life. Plants are tender and very disease resistant.

'Radiance' Roses (Introduced - 1908)

For those hybrid tea admirers who are searching for hardier roses within this class, often the older, less inbred cultivars are the best choices. 'Radiance' is a case in point. Dating back to the turn of the century, you will find this rose flourishing in abandoned or neglected gardens and old cemetery plantings, even in the Southeast. Once it has its roots established well, this rose tolerates both poor and dry soils, and it will still furnish a generous crop of large, double, soft pink flowers. These have an old-fashioned look that make 'Radiance' a good choice for people restoring older gardens. A well-formed shrub, this rose also offers an old-fashioned damask rose perfume.

'Red Lion' Roses (Introduced - 1964)

The high-centered 5-inch flowers are bright cherry red and have excellent substance. As the flower's 35 to 40 petals open, they turn back into a quill form that gives the plant a starry outline. Plants grow 5 to 6 feet tall and have oversized, leathery foliage.

'Royal Highness' Roses (Introduced - 1962)

A delicate, stately, pale pink rose with slender buds and narrow; high-centered flowers, ''has 40 to 45 petals and is 4 to 5 inches across when fully open. The wonderfully fragrant flowers grow on plants 4 to 5 feet high. 'Royal Highness' rose has reigned supreme for many years even though it is very tender in cold winters.

'Schwarze Madonna' Roses (Introduced - 1992)

The first aspect of this rose on which every new owner remarks is the intense dark red of the blossoms, which make a striking addition to any planting. Gradually, though, the gardener comes to appreciate that 'Schwarze Madonna' has another, more practical virtue: it is extraordinarily disease resistant. Actually, this rose is remarkably carefree and exceptionally adaptable for a hybrid tea, flourishing in the North and South, East and West.

'Sheer Bliss' Roses (Introduced - 1987)

Although it is classified as a white rose, 'Sheer Bliss' is more of a pale pink, with creamy white petals that radiate a soft pink tone. Excellent for cutting, 'Sheer Bliss' rose has good substance, long stems, and strong fragrance. Its 4- to 5-inchflowers have 35 petals. The compact plants grow 3 to 4 feet high and have excellent disease resistance. They also have better-than-average hardiness, especially for a rose in this color range.

'Sheer Elegance' Roses (Introduced - 1989)

Pointed, oval buds open into 3- to 4-inch flowers with 35 to 40 petals and the classic high-centered hybrid tea form that is bound to be a winner on the show table. Blooms are soft pink to pale salmon with a deeper pink edge, and are borne on long, stiff stems. Flowers are set off by dark green, disease-resistant foliage that covers 4- to 5-foot plants.

'Summer Dream' Roses (Introduced - 1987)

The peach-colored buds of 'Summer Dream' rose open to reveal shades of pink and orange on the insides of the petals, blending to yellow on the outsides. The flowers, which have 30 to 35 petals and are 4 to 5 inches across, bloom in sprays and repeat their bloom very quickly. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall and are clothed in dark green, glossy foliage. 'Summer Dream' is more winter hardy than most other apricot-colored roses.

'Summer Sunshine' Roses (Introduced - 1962)

More of a golden yellow than other yellow roses, 'Summer Sunshine' rose is also more vigorous and disease resistant than other yellow roses, although it is not very winter hardy. The 3 1/2- to 5-inch blooms with 25 to 30 petals repeat quickly all summer. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall and have gray-green, leathery foliage.

'Sunbright' Roses (Introduced - 1984)

The name aptly describes the brilliant yellow flowers of this hybrid tea. Repeating their bloom quickly, the flowers are 4 inches across and have 24 to 30 petals. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet high with dark green, glossy foliage. Resistance to fungal diseases is very good for a yellow rose.

'Sutter's Gold' Roses (Introduced - 1950)

Named for the 1948 centennial of the discovery of gold in California, 'Sutter's Gold' rose is one of the most fragrant hybrid teas. The flowers are golden yellow, overlaid with tones of orange and tipped in red. The flowers are tall, slender, and urn shaped, with 30 to 35 petals. When fully open, the blooms are 4 to 6 inches across. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall with dark green, leathery, semi-glossy foliage on thorny canes.

'Swarthmore' Roses (Introduced - 1963)

Rose-red blooms, tending to medium deep pink, are 4 to 5 inches across and have 45 to 55 petals. They are high centered and slender, with a slight fragrance. Petal edges usually turn smoky dark red or black, especially in bright sunlight. The long, straight stems are clothed in dark green, leathery foliage on a 4- to 6-foot plant that is quite winter hardy.

'Tiffany' Roses (Introduced - 1954)

Long and pointed, the buds of 'Tiffany' have a beautiful, classic form; they open to 4- to 5-inch double blossoms whose soft rose pink petals blend to yellow at their base. Flowers are produced singly and in clusters over a long season; they are high centered and bear a strong, sweet, fruity fragrance. The foliage is dark green and glossy.
'Tiffany' is vigorous and easy to grow. Tall and upright in habit, this rose is effective in beds and borders and makes an exceptional, long-lasting cut flower. Performing best in warm climates, this rose is more disease resistant than most hybrid teas.

'Touch of Class' Roses (Introduced - 1984)

This rose is a favorite among rosarians, who win ribbons at rose shows with its perfectly formed, high-centered blossoms. But though this rose is a star performer, it is not a prima donna. In fact, 'Touch of Class' makes a good garden plant. It flowers consistently throughout the season, bearing large, double, medium pink blooms shaded with coral and cream. Only in fragrance is it somewhat lacking: 'Touch of Class' rose offers only a slight perfume.

'Tropicana' Roses (Introduced - 1960)

The 4- to 5-inch double flowers of 'Tropicana' are bright orange-red and fruity with fragrance. Buds are very large and pointed. Borne singly, the blooms are high centered, becoming cup shaped as they mature. They appear over a lengthy season, and their color holds up well even in hot weather. Foliage is glossy and dark green.
Plants are vigorous, upright, and bushy. The vibrant color of its flowers can be stunning in beds and borders but is difficult to blend with soft pastel shades. The blooms are excellent for cutting. Plants are prone to mildew.

'Uncle Joe' Roses (Introduced - 1971)

'Uncle Joe' (sometimes listed as 'Toro') rose bears its 6-inch double blooms singly on long stems. The buds open slowly to become high-centered medium to dark red flowers with a strong fragrance. The large, leathery leaves are a glossy dark green.
Plants are vigorous growers with a tall, upright habit. Their stems are quite strong and amply able to hold up the huge blossoms. This rose is suitable for beds and borders and is excellent for cutting. Cool, damp weather may stunt the production of flowers.

'White Delight' Roses (Introduced - 1989)

Despite its name, 'White Delight' rose is not a pure white rose. Rather, it is an ivory rose that blends to a soft pink at the center, with pink-tinged outer petals. The blooms, which have 35 to 40 petals, are 4 1/2 inches wide and are set off by dark green, leathery foliage. Plants grow about 4 to 5 1/2 feet tall and produce long cutting stems.

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Comments

From Satish M. Prabhu, M.D. - Sep-08-2015

We live in Columbia, SC and have grown hybrid tea roses most successfully for over 35 years! They are a little labor intensive; particularly needing a preventive spray program to keep them free from fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Best blooms come in mid May and mid October.