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Hybrid Tea thumbnail panels:

Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid Tea Roses (HT) are remontant (repeat flowering roses) with one flower per stem. The Hybrid Tea rose is a cross between hybrid perpetual's and old fashioned tea roses. They are the most popular rose in the world and one of the most popular flowers. Hybrid teas have all the virtues a flower could possibly have: beauty, fragrance and easy care.

What makes Hybrid Tea Roses different from other roses?

Hybrid Tea Roses are different from other roses for a variety of reasons. Besides the single bloom per stem, they also have an open bush structure rather than a bushy habit. Virtually all Hybrid Teas are repeat bloomers throughout the growing season and offer some degree of fragrance.

The flowers on hybrid tea roses may have over 60 petals and be as large as 5 inches across. A signature of hybrid teas is the long, pointed buds that open by slowly unfurling. Plants will grow anywhere from 3' — 6' tall, depending on the variety and the growing conditions. The Hybrid Tea's steams are long and strong making them great cut flowers. Hybrid teas have been cultivated in almost every color except blue, with many extraordinary bi-colors to choose from.

Choosing the right Hybrid Tea for your garden

As with any other type of plant, not all hybrid teas are created equal. However, the idea that hybrid teas are fussier than other rose types is unwarranted. The key, as always, is to choose a variety suited to your climate and zone.

• If your summers are humid, look for mildew resistance varieties.

• Where summers are dry, look for heat tolerant and vigorous root system varieties.

• Be extra certain of zone ratings if you live where winters are harsh and provide extra protection. Roses with thick petals are hardier in variable weather and last longer as cut flowers.

Some disadvantages of Hybrid Teas

Perhaps of concern is the fact that in exchange for the perfect rose, with its perfect form and spectacular colors, an enormous amount of inbreeding has taken place. This has depleted many of the hybrid teas of their disease-resistance and winter hardiness that was found with many of the older roses from which they were bred. Another often mentioned disadvantage is that newer hybrid teas no longer "smell like roses." In fact, many have lost their fragrance. However, with more than 6,000 varieties of hybrid teas available, it is possible to choose carefully from this pool and have vigorous and reliable hybrid teas. Many of the hybrid teas will require spray programs to maintain healthy foliage.