Skip to content 
Fragrant Hour rose
Fragrant Hour Rose: A Sensational Hybrid Tea for Your Garden
The Fragrant Hour rose, a distinguished Hybrid Tea variety, enchants gardeners and flower enthusiasts with its captivating blooms and intense fragrance. This rose variety, bred by Samuel Darragh McGredy IV, stands out for its stunning orange-pink blend flowers and strong scent. Fragrant Hour roses are Ideal for garden displays and cut flowers, which add elegance and aromatic delight to any setting.
Characteristics of Fragrant Hour Rose
- Name: Fragrant Hour
- Breeder: Samuel Darragh McGredy IV (1966)
- Introduced in Australia (1973) by Langbecker, New Zealand (1974) by Avenue Roses/Avenue Nurseries
- Type: Hybrid Tea
- Color: Orange-pink and cream blend
- Petals: 35+
- Bloom Size: Average diameter 4.5 inches
- Bloom Form: Full, high-centered
- Fragrance: Strong
- Height: 35 to 47 inches
- Foliage: Large, light green
- USDA Zones: 6b and warmer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid to slightly alkaline (5.6 – 7.8)
- Uses: Cut flowers, garden display
- Awards: Belfast Gold Medal (1975), J.A. Gamble Fragrance Award (1997)
- Disease Susceptibility: Mildew, rust
An Exquisite Bloom
Fragrant Hour roses feature high-centered blooms that captivate with their unique color blend of orange and pink, often accented with bronze-pink hues. Each flower boasts an average diameter of 4.5 inches, creating a visually striking display in the garden. With a petal count of 35 or more, these roses produce lush, full blooms that draw attention to the garden and floral arrangements.
Delightful Fragrance
One of the standout features of the Fragrant Hour rose is its intense fragrance. The firm, sweet scent makes this rose an excellent choice for cut flowers, allowing you to bring its delightful aroma indoors. Whether enjoyed in the garden or a vase, the fragrance of the Fragrant Hour rose is sure to enchant all who encounter it.
Growing and Care Tips
Fragrant Hour roses thrive in USDA zones 6b and warmer, preferring full sun to achieve their best growth and bloom potential. These roses grow upright and can reach heights of 35 to 47 inches, making them suitable for both garden beds and as a focal point in landscaping.
Pruning and Maintenance
To keep your Fragrant Hour rose healthy and productive, follow these pruning tips:
- Spring Pruning: Remove old canes and any dead or diseased wood. Cut back canes that cross to promote better air circulation.
- Warmer Climates: Cut back remaining canes by about one-third.
- Colder Areas: Prune more extensively to encourage new growth and blooming.
Soil and Watering
Fragrant Hour roses prefer soil pH levels ranging from moderately acidic to slightly alkaline (5.6 – 7.8). Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Water the roses regularly until established, then maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods.
Awards and Recognition
The Fragrant Hour Rose has received notable accolades, including the Belfast Gold Medal in 1975 and the J.A. Gamble Fragrance Award in 1997. These awards highlight its exceptional qualities, mainly its fragrance and visual appeal.
The Fragrant Hour rose is a remarkable addition to any garden, offering stunning blooms and a powerful fragrance. Its high-centered, orange-pink flowers and strong scent make it a favorite for garden displays and cut flower arrangements. With proper care and maintenance, this Hybrid Tea will continue to enchant and delight gardeners and flower enthusiasts for years. Embrace the beauty and fragrance of the Fragrant Hour rose in your garden and enjoy the timeless elegance it brings.
