‘‘Mrs. B. R. Cant’’ (Tea, 1901) is among the most robust of the Tea roses sometimes attaining a height and spread of 8 feet, with dozens of silver-rose petals tipped with dark rose. The flowers are full and fragrant. It blooms all during the growing season, but flower size, quality, and volume are far greater during spring and fall. Although it will occasionally be attacked by black spot disease, it will usually thrive without spraying if it is placed where air circulation and sunlight are good. Another great Tea rose very popular in Texas is ‘‘Mrs. Dudley Cross’’(Tea, 1907). Mrs.Cross is a pale yellow tinged with pink. Stems are nearly thornless, and disease resistance is excellent.

Among the best China roses for Texas gardens are ‘‘Old Blush’’(pink), ‘‘Mutabilis’’(yellow, pink, and crimson), and ‘‘Ducher’’(white). ‘‘Old Blush’’ was the favorite rose of Texas pioneers because it was tough, bloomed freely, and easily rooted from cuttings. ‘‘Mutabilis’’ is sometimes known as the “Butterfly Rose” since a large bush in bloom resembles a cloud of butterflies. Mature China roses can reach 6 to 7 feet unless frequently pruned. ‘‘Ducher’’ is pure white and also blooms profusely in the fall.

China and Tea roses are adapted to the Montgomery County area. November through February are ideal times to root roses from cuttings. Old garden roses thrive on their own roots which means they do not need to be grafted onto a hardy rootstock to thrive. For information on rooting roses from cuttings go to the Aggie Horticulture website at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/southerngarden/roseprop.html .

Don’t forget to send your garden questions to Plant Answers at 9020 FM 1484, Conroe TX 77303 or e-mail me at t-leroy@tamu.edu .

Educational programs of Texas Agrilife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.