Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose: A Complete Guide To Its Fiery Blooms

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever seen a rose that looks like a summer sunset captured in a bloom? A flower with fiery orange-red petals that fade into a soft, smoky lavender at the edges? If that sounds like a dream, let me introduce you to a rose that will stop you in your tracks.

The della reese hybrid tea rose is more than just a flower; it’s a statement piece for any garden. Its unique coloration and classic, intoxicating fragrance can feel like a challenge reserved for expert gardeners. You might worry it’s too difficult to grow or that you won’t be able to achieve those show-stopping blooms you see in photos.

But I’m here to promise you that growing this stunning rose is absolutely within your reach. Imagine stepping into your garden and being greeted by these vibrant, fragrant flowers, knowing you grew them yourself. Imagine cutting a few stems to bring that beauty and scent indoors.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, step-by-step. From planting to pruning, you’ll discover all the secrets to cultivating a thriving Della Reese rose. Let’s get started!

Why Every Gardener Should Consider the Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose

Before we dig into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Among the thousands of rose varieties, this one truly stands out. Understanding the benefits of della reese hybrid tea rose will show you why it deserves a prime spot in your garden.

This isn’t just another red rose. It’s a captivating performer with qualities that appeal to both new and seasoned gardeners alike. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners!

Unforgettable Color and Form

The most striking feature is its color. The petals are a rich, brick-red to fiery orange, often with a reverse of smoky purple or lavender. This dramatic, shifting color palette makes each bloom a unique work of art. The classic high-centered form of a hybrid tea rose means you get those perfect, long-stemmed flowers ideal for cutting.

A Powerful, Old-Rose Fragrance

Many modern roses have had their scent bred out of them in favor of disease resistance or color. Not this one. The Della Reese boasts a strong, rich, classic rose fragrance that will perfume your garden air. It’s the kind of scent that invites you to lean in close and truly experience the flower.

Vigorous Growth and Blooming

This is a rose that wants to grow. It’s known for being a vigorous, upright bush that produces flushes of blooms throughout the growing season, from late spring until the first frost. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with a continuous supply of stunning flowers.

Planting Your Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose for Success

A great garden starts with a great foundation. Getting the planting process right is the single most important step you can take to ensure a healthy, happy rose. This section is your complete della reese hybrid tea rose guide to planting.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Roses are sun-worshippers, and the Della Reese is no exception. Find a location in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is especially important, as it helps dry the dew off the leaves, which is your first line of defense against fungal diseases.

Good air circulation is also key. Avoid planting it too close to walls or other dense shrubs where air can stagnate. This simple step helps prevent common problems like black spot and powdery mildew.

Preparing the Soil

Roses are heavy feeders and thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Most garden soils can be improved to create the perfect environment. Here’s how:

  1. Dig a Generous Hole: Your planting hole should be about twice as wide as the rose’s root ball and just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out.

  2. Amend the Soil: Mix the soil you removed from the hole with a generous amount of organic matter. Composted manure, garden compost, or leaf mold are all fantastic choices. A 50/50 mix of your garden soil and compost is a great starting point.

  3. Check the Drainage: If you have heavy clay soil, adding compost will help, but you might also mix in some coarse sand or fine gravel to improve drainage. Roses hate having “wet feet.”

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The Planting Process: Step-by-Step

Whether you have a bare-root or a container-grown rose, the process is straightforward. Here is how to della reese hybrid tea rose planting works:

  • For Bare-Root Roses: Soak the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours (but no more than 12) before planting. Create a mound of amended soil in the center of your hole and spread the roots over it. The bud union (the swollen part where the rose was grafted to the rootstock) should be just at or slightly above the soil level in warmer climates, and about 1-2 inches below in colder zones.

  • For Container-Grown Roses: Gently remove the rose from its pot. If the roots are tightly wound (root-bound), carefully tease them apart with your fingers. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.

  • Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with your amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Create a small basin of soil around the plant to hold water. Water deeply and thoroughly right after planting to help the soil settle.

The Ultimate Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose Care Guide

Once your rose is in the ground, consistent care will make the difference between a surviving plant and a thriving one. Following these della reese hybrid tea rose best practices will ensure a season full of glorious, fragrant blooms.

Watering Wisely

Deep, infrequent watering is much better than a light, daily sprinkle. This encourages the rose to grow deep roots, making it more resilient to drought.

Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or your hose. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Watering in the morning is ideal. This simple habit is one of the best della reese hybrid tea rose tips for disease prevention.

Feeding for Fabulous Flowers

To produce those large, magnificent blooms, your Della Reese needs regular nutrition. Start feeding in early spring when new growth appears and continue every 4-6 weeks through late summer.

A balanced granular rose fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer is a great choice. You can also supplement with organic options like fish emulsion or compost tea. Stop feeding about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy.

Mulching Magic

Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost) around the base of your rose is a game-changer. Mulch helps to:

  • Conserve soil moisture, reducing your watering duties.
  • Suppress weeds that compete for nutrients.
  • Keep the soil cool in the summer.
  • Break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.

Just be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

Pruning and Deadheading: Your Key to Abundant Blooms

Don’t be intimidated by pruning! It’s one of the most rewarding parts of rose care. Proper pruning stimulates new growth, which is where your flowers will form. It also improves air circulation and shapes the plant.

The Big Prune: Late Winter/Early Spring

The main pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, just as the leaf buds begin to swell. Here’s the basic process:

  1. Remove the Three D’s: Start by cutting out any dead, damaged, or diseased canes.

  2. Open Up the Center: Prune any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other to improve airflow.

  3. Shorten the Remaining Canes: Cut back the remaining healthy canes by about one-third to one-half their length. Aim to leave 3-5 strong, outward-facing canes. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud.

Deadheading Throughout the Season

Deadheading is simply the process of removing spent flowers. When a bloom starts to fade, snip it off. This prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds (rose hips) and instead encourages it to produce more flowers. Cut the stem down to the first 5-leaflet leaf.

Tackling Common Problems with Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose

Even the healthiest plants can face challenges. Being able to identify and address the most common problems with della reese hybrid tea rose will keep your plant beautiful and productive.

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Pests to Watch For

The most frequent visitors are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth and buds. A strong blast of water from the hose can often dislodge them. For more persistent issues, insecticidal soap is an effective, eco-friendly option.

Fungal Diseases

The two biggest culprits for roses are black spot and powdery mildew. Black spot appears as dark, circular spots on the leaves, which then turn yellow and drop. Powdery mildew looks like a white, dusty coating on leaves and buds.

The best defense is prevention: ensure good air circulation, water at the base of the plant, and clean up any fallen leaves promptly. If you see signs of disease, remove the affected leaves and consider using a copper or sulfur-based fungicide.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose Care

A beautiful garden can also be a healthy one for the environment. Adopting a sustainable della reese hybrid tea rose care routine is easy and incredibly beneficial. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.

For an eco-friendly della reese hybrid tea rose garden, focus on building healthy soil with compost. Healthy soil creates strong plants that are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases. Instead of reaching for chemical pesticides, try companion planting. Planting garlic, chives, or marigolds near your roses can help deter pests naturally.

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which are voracious aphid predators. You can attract them by planting a diversity of flowers like dill, fennel, and yarrow nearby. This integrated approach creates a balanced, self-sustaining garden ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Della Reese Hybrid Tea Rose

How big does the Della Reese rose get?

It typically grows into an upright, bushy shrub reaching about 4-5 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. It’s a great size for garden beds, borders, or even a large container.

Is the Della Reese hybrid tea rose fragrant?

Yes, absolutely! It is prized for its strong, classic, “old-rose” damask fragrance. It’s one of the best features of this particular variety and a major reason for its popularity.

How disease resistant is it?

The Della Reese has average disease resistance. While not immune, it can hold its own against common issues like black spot and powdery mildew, especially if you follow good cultural practices like providing full sun, good air circulation, and proper watering.

Is this rose suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is! While it requires the standard care of any hybrid tea rose (pruning, feeding, etc.), its vigorous nature and desire to bloom make it a very rewarding choice for someone new to growing roses. Following a basic della reese hybrid tea rose care guide like this one is all you need for success.

Your Garden’s Next Show-Stopper

Growing a della reese hybrid tea rose is more than just planting a flower; it’s about adding a touch of drama, elegance, and intoxicating fragrance to your personal oasis. From its fiery, color-shifting blooms to its vigorous growth, it’s a rose that gives back tenfold what you put into it.

Remember the key takeaways: give it plenty of sun, feed it well, water deeply, and don’t be afraid to prune. By following these simple steps, you are well on your way to a garden filled with breathtaking flowers.

So go ahead, find a sunny spot, and get ready to welcome this unforgettable rose into your life. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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