Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The First Prize hybrid tea rose is aptly named; the large, rose-pink flowers make this plant a stellar rose for cut flower arrangements. This hybrid tea rose cultivar was first introduced in 1970 and has remained a popular selection since then for good reason. It has a full flower, with 25 to 30 petals per bloom. Stems and leaves are stout, and the First Prize does rebloom throughout the summer following its most prolific bloom time in late spring.
The showy, two-toned, pink flowers are lightly fragrant and attract bees. While the First Prize is susceptible to many of the pests and diseases common to roses, it is tough and hardy once established. Hybrid tea roses like First Prize grow fairly quickly and typically reach their mature size within three or four years. The beautiful flowers of this rose make it a candidate for a specimen planting in a protected position in a cottage garden.
First Prize Hybrid Tea Rose Care
Like other hybrid tea roses, First Prize prefers acidic, loamy, and well-drained soil. It requires ample sunlight for best growth, bloom, and disease resistance, but can tolerate light shade. A layer of organic material mulch encourages water conservation and root health. The First Prize usually requires one to two inches of water weekly during the growing season; water the soil around this rose deeply whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Apply a fertilizer labeled for roses regularly from early spring to mid-summer.
The First Prize hybrid tea rose blooms on new wood, so prune in early spring to encourage new growth and maximize blooms. Remove dead, damaged, or very thin canes, and cut stronger canes by a third of their length. Remove faded and dead flowers throughout the blooming season.
First Prize Hybrid Tea Rose Spacing
The First Prize rose grows 4-6 feet tall with a similar width, so give this plant about 3 feet of space from center. Provide the rose with ample space to encourage good air flow and minimize the potential for disease.
First Prize Hybrid Tea Rose Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Spreading
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Rose-Pink
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green, Leathery
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- First Prize Hybrid Tea Rose
- Botanical Name
- Rosa 'First Prize'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!