Rosa x hybrida

Hybrid Tea Roses are ornamental flowering deciduous shrubs that are members of the Rosaceae or rose family. This shrub has large, high buds and tall, straight stems. They generally produce only one flower per stem. They are fast-growing and reach a height of 3 to 8 feet tall and  2 to 3 feet wide within 3 to 4 years. This shrub will continue to rebloom through the growing season and most of them have a lovely fragrance. They are frequently used as cut flowers by florists or home gardeners. The stems are green, erect, and stiff. The leaves are green to reddish-green, ovate, compound, opposite, and have serrate margins. The colors of the flowers range from pink, red, yellow, white, purple, and orange. The blossoms are typically solitary with over 20 petals. They may be single, semi-double, or double flowers.

Hybrid Tea Roses are produced by crossing hybrid perpetual roses and old-fashioned tea roses.

This plant grows best in acidic and loamy soils and prefers full sun. Roses require at least 6 hours of full sun during the day. They will tolerate light shade, but they will bloom best in full sun and will generally be more disease resistant. Fertilization and frequent watering at the base of the shrub will enhance its growth.

The fall and spring seasons are the best time for planting since the shrub is still dormant. Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart to encourage good air circulation. Mulching in the spring will help to conserve water and keep the roots cool. The plant should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week, and water the soil and not the leaves. Hybrid Tea Roses like humidity and temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for mildew-resistant varieties if you live in a humid summer climate.

Pruning is best done in the early spring which will encourage new growth. Cut out dead or diseased canes. Prune the stronger canes back about 1/3 of their height. To encourage reblooming, remove faded roses and deadhead throughout the growing season. This encourages strong stems and larger flowers. If you live in areas where winter is more severe, be sure to add protection for your roses.

Hybrid Tea Roses are grown as ornamental shrubs and are popular in the home landscape. The various colors and fragrances will add interest to your gardens. Used as cut flowers, they make beautiful floral arrangements. You may also consider growing them in containers.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom;  Spring, Summer, and Fall       Foliage:  Spring, Summer, Fall      

Quick ID Hints:

• rose shrub, measuring 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
• erect, stiff, green or reddish-green stems with prickles
• green ovate, opposite, compound leaves with serrate margins
• blossoms fragrant, a variety of colors with over 20 petals

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Hybrid Tea Roses are generally disease resistant; however, they can be susceptible to botrytis blight, black spot disease, crown gall, powdery mildew, downy mildew, verticillium wilt, and viruses. Rose rosette will make the foliage appear distorted. When rose rosette is confirmed, the entire shrub needs to be removed to prevent the spread of the virus. Curling leaves may be caused by viruses, and yellowing of the leaves may be caused by black spot diseases.  Insect pests include spider mites and Japanese beetles.