How to Grow a Tall Mr. Lincoln Hybrid Tea Red Rose

Overview

Named after former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, the Mr. Lincoln is a hybrid tea rose that grows 4 to 6 feet tall with burgundy-red flowers. The large blooms measure 4 inches across with an impressive 35 petals each and emit a heavy, traditional rose fragrance. For all of its impressive and pleasing qualities, the Mr. Lincoln rose bush is surprisingly easy to grow and care for. The bush is hardy down to USDA zone 5, drought-tolerant and highly adaptable with a strong growth habit.

Step 1

Plant your Mr. Lincoln hybrid tea rose bush in full sunlight. These rose bushes can easily adapt to many different types of soils, but be sure that the soil is well-draining. Plant the rose bush in the spring when all danger of frost has passed and in a spot where it can grow to its full height.

Step 2

Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the container. Amend the soil with organic compost and loosen the walls and bottom of the hole with a pitchfork. Set the root ball into the hole and backfill with soil, pressing to firm the soil around the roots.

Step 3

Water the Mr. Lincoln rose bush to help firm the soil around the roots. Although this variety of rose bush is drought-tolerant, you should water it once a week when you're not receiving adequate rainfall.

Step 4

Spread a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around your hybrid tea rose bush to keep the weeds at bay, as well as to keep the soil cool and moist.

Step 5

Sprinkle a granular rose fertilizer over the roots once every year in early spring, before the blooming season begins. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Step 6

Pinch back spent blooms on the rose bush. Blooming begins in May or June, depending on your climate, but the bush re-blooms throughout the summer and sometimes into the autumn in warmer climates. If you pinch off the spent blooms, you'll see faster and more re-blooming.