A hybrid tea rose is a cross between the hybrid perpetuals and old-fashioned tea roses. They are the most popular roses in the world and perhaps the most popular flower, as roses are many gardeners favorite. The hybrid tea rose has all the virtues you look for in a flower: beauty, fragrance and easy care. They also come in so many color variations and will grow in many different climates.

photo credit: Jami Dwyer

What makes these roses different from other Roses is that they generally produce only one blossom at the end of the stem, rather than clusters of flowers. They have more of an open form rather than bushy habit. They are repeat bloomers throughout the growing season, particularly if you keep them deadheaded or picked and they offer some degree of fragrance. The fragrance will depend on the variety.

A signature of hybrid teas is the long, pointed bud. The plants will grow anywhere from 3-6 feet tall, depending on the growing conditions.

The long, strong stems make them great as cut flowers.

Choosing the Right Hybrid Tea for You

Hybrid teas are as easy to grow as other rose varieties. For success in growing them choose a variety suited to your climate and zone. So look on the plant tag or research the rose types at a library or online. One other very important key to a successful rose bush is to make sure that it is planted properly.

But your first points to consider when buying the rose bush is:

• If your summers are humid, look for mildew resistance. Certain ways of planting will also help mildew but get extra help with proper plant selection.
• Where summers are dry you will want to look for heat tolerance and vigorous root systems. I would also advise to make sure the roses are planted in such a way that you have a mulched area to help hold in moisture.
• And most of all, check the planting tag and be certain of the growing zone if you live where winters are harsh. You may also want to provide extra protection.  Use a burlap wrap or plant by a wall or hillside for wind protection in colder areas.

Tip: Roses with thick petals are hardier in variable weather locations and last longer as cut flowers.

Backyard Oasis Projects will be having a mini rose garden project using the Hybrid Tea Rose. You will be able to see a rose garden be created from the start. As the season is still cold the first steps will be to select the rose varieties and prepare the rose garden bed area. Check out “The Hybrid Tea Rose Backyard Project.”

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