Oklahoma Rose

The Oklahoma rose is a popular rose, not surprisingly, in the south and southwestern parts of the US. I haven't encountered many of these while living in the Midwest, but many other growers have let me in on its beauty!

Into the history books….

The Oklahoma rose is a dark red colored hybrid tea type. It was first bred by Herbert C. Swim and O.L. Weeks at the Oklahoma State University; in the United States in the year 1964. This plant gets its parentage from the Chrysler Imperial and Charles Mallerin varieties. The other siblings to it are the Papa Meilland and Mister Lincoln roses. All the three are beautiful, although this type is the darkest of all whereas Mr. Lincoln grows the tallest. It was in the year 2004 that it gained fame when it earned the title of state flower.

Beauty

The Oklahoma rose is a classic dark red colored, very large bloom hybrid tea type. A typical bloom is of 5 inches in diameter and displays a gorgeous formation of 45 to 50 petals. The bloom is loosely formed with a high center and possesses a sweet fragrance. The blooms appear singly on each stem thus making this a perfect cut rose. The deep crimson red blooms looks beautiful in any flower decoration. It also enhances the beauty of your garden with bright colorful display. The foliage is dark green in color and further more adds to the glory of the flower. The plant has profuse blooms and will bloom repeatedly. This shrub attains a height up to 8 feet and width up to 4 feet. They are suited best when planted in the ground or in a container.

Gardening

Unfortunately, many growers report that this breed is highly susceptible to diseases. They are vigorous growers however the growth varies with the climate, with dry and hot being the best, similar to the southern and southwestern regions of the US. The spring time pruning requires a little removal of dry and dead canes and removal of diseased stems. The plant requires more pruning in hot climates, though. Most growers recommend full sun for at least 6 hours each day to perform well. The soil should be well drained and watering the plant regularly is very essential. The Oklahoma rose is hardy for USDA zones 6 to 11.