Rose BushesA Grower's Guide to Roses
Rose Types

Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid teas are the classic long-stemmed roses of the florist and the show bench — one large, high-centered bloom to a stem, in every color roses come in.

The classic rose

When most people picture a rose, they picture a hybrid tea: a single, large, high-centered flower on a long, upright stem. The class dates to 1867 and dominated twentieth-century rose growing. Hybrid teas offer the widest color range of any group, strong repeat bloom, and blooms ideal for cutting.

They ask more of the gardener than modern shrub roses — more feeding, more attention to disease — but reward it with flowers of unmatched elegance.

Quick tip: For the largest blooms, "disbud" by removing the small side buds around the main bud so the plant's energy goes into one perfect flower per stem.

Growing hybrid tea roses

Plant in full sun with excellent air circulation and well-drained, fertile soil. Prune hard in late winter to an open framework of a few strong canes, feed regularly through the growing season, and watch for black spot in humid climates.

Popular hybrid tea roses

The 51 roses below are among the most widely grown and dependable in this group. Each profile covers color, fragrance, size, hardiness, and how to grow it well.