The hybrid tea rose (Rosa x hybrida), known for its signature large, high buds and tall, straight stems, is the result of a cross between hybrid perpetual and old-fashioned tea roses. With its slow unfurling long, pointed buds, the hybrid tea rose showcases a single, stunning blossom on the end of each stem rather than clusters of flowers.
With an open habit and a range of fragrances, the hybrid tea rose offers repeat blooms throughout the growing season. Despite its quick growth, reaching maturity at 3 to 8 feet tall in just 3 to 4 years, planting these magnificent roses can be done year-round, with the ideal times being fall or early spring while they are still fixed.
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Hybrid tea rose: Key facts
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Growth | Height 4 to 6 feet and spread 2 to 3 feet |
| Flowers | Large, well-formed blooms in a variety of colours, including red, pink, yellow, white, and orange |
| Fragrance | Strong, sweet fragrance |
| Bloom time | Mid-spring to late fall |
| Light requirements | Full sun, but will tolerate some shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH |
| Watering | Require regular watering |
Hybrid tea rose: Physical description
- Growth habit: Hybrid tea roses typically grow upright, with a single stem that can reach a height of 4 to 6 feet and a spread of 2 to 3 feet.
- Leaves: The leaves are usually glossy and dark green and are arranged alternately on the stem. They are usually simple and ovate in shape, with serrated margins.
- Flowers: Hybrid tea roses produce large, well-formed blooms with a classic tea-rose shape. The blooms are typically 5 to 6 inches in diameter and are available in a wide range of colours, including red, pink, yellow, white, and orange.
- Stem: The stem is usually long and slender and is usually stripped of its leaves, making the blooms the main focus of the plant.
- Thorns: Hybrid tea roses have thorns along the stem, which serve to protect the plant and discourage predators.
- Root system: Hybrid tea roses have a shallow, fibrous root system that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.
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Hybrid tea rose: How to grow?
- Location: Hybrid tea roses prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sun per day.
- Soil: Hybrid tea roses prefer well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If your soil is heavy, amend it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
- Watering: Hybrid tea roses need consistent watering, especially during periods of drought. Water deeply once a week, and make sure the soil does not become waterlogged.
- Fertilisation: Hybrid tea roses benefit from regular fertilisation, especially with a fertiliser specially formulated for roses. Apply fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically once a month during the growing season.
Hybrid tea rose: Maintenance tips
- Pruning: Pruning is necessary to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Prune hybrid tea roses in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and cut back the remaining canes to encourage bushy growth.
- Disease control: Hybrid tea roses are generally more disease-resistant than other types of roses but are still susceptible to common rose diseases such as blackspot and powdery mould. To minimise disease problems, water at the base of the plant, rather than on the leaves, and remove any diseased leaves promptly.
- Pests: Hybrid tea roses are infested by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and rose sawflies. Regularly inspect the plants for pests and take appropriate action, such as spraying with an insecticide or releasing beneficial insects, to control them.
- Provide adequate support: Hybrid tea roses have long stems and may need support to prevent them from bending or breaking. Provide a sturdy support system, such as a trellis or stake, to help keep the plant upright.
- Deadhead regularly: Deadhead or remove spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
- Provide proper winter protection: In cold climates, provide proper winter protection, such as mulching with leaves or straw, to insulate the roots and prevent freezing.
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Hybrid tea rose: Uses
Hybrid tea roses are widely grown and valued for their beauty and versatility. Some common uses for Hybrid tea roses include:
- Ornamental gardening: Hybrid tea roses are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens, parks, and public spaces and are prized for their beautiful blooms and attractive foliage.
- Cut flowers: Hybrid tea roses are popular as cut flowers and are widely used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Landscaping: Hybrid tea roses can be used to create attractive and fragrant landscape features, such as rose gardens, hedges, and borders.
- Events: Hybrid tea roses are often used as part of wedding bouquets, centrepieces, and other special event decorations.
- Gift-giving: Hybrid tea roses are a popular gift for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Hybrid tea rose: Toxicity
Most hybrid tea roses are not considered toxic to humans or pets. However, it is always best to exercise caution and keep all plants, including roses, out of reach of small children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Additionally, the thorns on Hybrid tea roses can be sharp and cause injury, so it is important to handle them with care.
If you suspect that a child or pet has ingested any part of a hybrid tea rose, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
FAQs
Where do Hybrid tea roses come from?
Hybrid tea roses are created by breeding two different species or cultivars of roses to produce a new hybrid.
What is the botanical name for Hybrid tea roses?
Hybrid tea roses do not have a single botanical name as they are a hybrid, not a species.
What is the family of Hybrid tea roses?
Hybrid tea roses are part of the family Rosaceae.
How do you grow Hybrid tea roses?
Hybrid tea roses can be grown in a garden or in containers and need full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent watering.
What are the care tips for Hybrid tea roses?
Hybrid tea roses need regular watering, fertilisation, pruning, disease and pest control, deadheading, winter protection, and proper support.
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