Choose The Hybrid Tea Rose For A Touch Of Classic Elegance
By: Ron King

The Hybrid Tea Rose is a modern rose, the offspring of 2 old timers getting together: the Hybrid Perpetual and the Tea Rose. These magnificent modern flowers grow on long stems and bloom throughout the year. Although this rose gives off only a faint scent, it makes up for this shortcoming with its many petals and tall stature. The Hybrid Tea Rose has been referred to as "your basic rose on a stick." These are the most popular roses to give or receive on special occasions.

A Thorny Issue

Many gardeners avoid the Hybrid Tea Rose because they're turned off by the idea of thorns. Well, good news -- there are several thornless varieties! When shopping, look for roses with tags that read "smooth" on the label. You can find these roses in every color of the rainbow, except blue.

You Look Marrrrvelous

A Hybrid Tea Rose will look fabulous in any garden. They are happiest when planted in rows by themselves. It's much easier to tend to them this way. Space your plants approximately 24 inches apart to ensure a good growth pattern. Plant in the spring.

Be sure to keep this area weed-free. These roses, like most flowers, do not enjoy the company of weeds.

Water Generously

Hybrid Tea Roses require lots of water during hot weather, especially if the heat is accompanied by dryness. Most gardens require a good soaking every 2 weeks, some gardens require a weekly soaking. Regardless of chosen schedule, if the ground looks dry and cracked, you water at once.

Placing mulch around your roses is a very good idea. The mulch will help prevent those aforementioned unwelcome weeds and conserve moisture.

Sunlight is Essential

It's important that your roses get plenty of sunlight. Roses require a minimum of 6 hours of sunshine a day, including morning sunlight. The morning sun will dry up excess moisture and dew, which will help prevent diseases from developing.

The Hybrid Tea Rose will likely reach full height in about 3 years. Even after pruning, the flower will grow back to this height annually. Most modern roses, such as the Hybrid Tea, live a span of 6 or 7 years -- even longer if the flower has been given exceptional care.

How to Care for Your Hybrid Teas

In February, when your flowers are dormant, prune your roses. Your first step will be to remove dead branches and damaged canes.

In colder climates, you'll probably have to cut all the old damaged wood. Look for lively green canes -- and don't cut them. Those are the canes that will produce buds in the spring.

In warmer areas, remove any existing leaves from the plant to promote new growth.

Lastly, remove any debris from your garden.

Now you're ready for spring. As spring approaches and your roses begin to grow, you should fertilize your garden with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Then sit back and enjoy nature's beauty.