John F. Kennedy Hybrid Rose

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Named for the former 35th U.S. President, this gorgeous hybrid tea rose is known for being incredibly dependable and producing beautiful flowers that are perfect for cutting. John F. Kennedy Hybrid Rose will brighten up any space with bountiful double-bloom flowers featuring 40-50 elegant, creamy-white petals against lush, medium-to-dark-green foliage. When the blooms are young, they have a distinctive greenish color that sets them apart from other tea roses. This rose will remind you of nostalgic summers outdoors and nature's sweet, fragrant air. 

Hardy in zones 5-8, this rose will fill your garden with its robust and refreshing scent reminiscent of licorice. In addition, it is incredibly disease resistant. No need to worry about any potential summer heat waves; this rose is particularly heat resistant and strong. You can plant this hybrid in a container, garden bed, border, and flowering hedge! The blooms, foliage, and form make for a stunning mass planting opportunity if you have the space for it. A first-year bloomer, this rose blooms from late spring to late fall but does exceptionally well when night temperatures are consistently warm! These temperatures give the buds the best environment to open up and flower. 

John F. Kennedy Hybrid Rose Care

Plant this rose in an area with full sun and rich, well-draining soil—roses prefer a soil pH of 5.6 to 6.5. Newly established roses need plenty of water; watch for signs of wilting on the leaves and water as soon as you see symptoms. Try to water them as early in the day as possible to reduce evaporation. Morning is also when roses can show temporary wilting symptoms that will disappear by the following day during scorching temperatures. Established roses require less frequent watering. Soak the roots thoroughly when the plant shows signs of wilting; these deep soaks will promote deeper root formation. Fertilize this rose once in the spring when all chance of frost has passed. Water first, and then fertilize with a dry rose fertilizer applied to the area from the base of the trunk to the end of the branches. 

In the spring, remove all dead, diseased, and crossing canes. In the winter, prune back about one-third of the canes, except in colder climates, where you should prune back up to two-thirds. If you want to propagate this rose, take cuttings of the hardwood areas in the autumn or use the chip budding method in the summer. 

John F. Kennedy Hybrid Rose Spacing

This rose can reach a height of 3-4 feet and a spread of 2-3 feet. Space plants approximately 2.5 feet apart to create a uniform hedge or screen. Make sure to plant it in full sun to achieve maximum growth!