by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
Hybrid tea roses are the most popular type of rose in Prescott. They are a cross between hybrid perpetual and old-fashioned tea roses. Hybrid teas are known for their long, sturdy stems, perfectly shaped flowers, and unmatched fragrance. While new varieties are introduced annually, some classic options remain unbeatable. The following hybrid tea roses are reliably hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Locally, our garden zone is an 8, so these are the ‘Go-To’ roses for local gardens.
Multicolored: Peace AARS 1945 is one of the most popular roses ever. It has perfect form and features large, double blossoms that are bright yellow with soft pink edges. It has a mild, fruity fragrance. This rose prefers our cooler monsoon summers.
Red: Mr. Lincoln AARS 1965. This hybrid tea rose is easy to grow in all climates and produces some of the most fragrant, large, velvety double blooms. An amazing red for any garden.
Red: Veterans Honor was introduced in 1999 to pay tribute to the men and women of the American Armed Forces. A portion of the sales proceeds is donated to the Department of Veteran Affairs. This rose is different in its deep, dark red colors and almost berry fragrance.
Pink: Friendship AARS 1979. It has large, deep pink blooms edged with a wash of red. It is exceptionally easy to grow, and it is highly disease-resistant. It also has a soft, sweet aroma.
Yellow: Midas Touch AARS 1994. Prolific blooming tea rose. Double, intense yellow blooms. Easy to grow, climate tolerant, and disease resistant. It’s one of the prettiest yellows out there.
Yellow: Celebrity celebrates summer with double gold blossoms throughout the season. Fruity fragrance. Adaptable to any climate.
Orange: Voodoo AARS 1986. It is actually an orange, yellow, and red blend. It likes warm summers and shows good disease resistance. It has double flowers with a doubly strong fragrance.
White: Garden Party AARS 1960. Double, creamy white blooms blushed with pink on the outside. Especially great as a cut flower with a soft fragrance. This hybrid tea rose prefers bright Arizona summers.
Lavender: Purple Passion AARS 2000 Dark purple double blossoms have a lemony morning scent. She is one of the prettiest purples in the rose family.
Learn More! Free Garden Classes in June.
June 15 – Top 10 Flowers That Love Summer Heat
June is the Top month for perennial flowers in gardens. Particular focus is on native and heat-loving varieties that thrive in mountain gardens.
June 22 – Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit
You can have your landscape and eat it, too! We’ll share tips, tricks, and recipes for a healthier, tastier yard. Experts who know how to grow fruit trees will be on hand.
June 29 – Gardening for Newcomers
Are you new to Arizona or just new to gardening? This class is Gardening 101 for everyone hoping to turn a brown thumb green. It will cover garden zones, frost dates, best practices, and more. After this class, you will be a garden pro.
Until next week, I’ll be helping local gardeners grow better shade gardens here at Watters Garden Center.
