Rosa - Grandiflora Rose
Grandiflora roses, a class of roses introduced in the mid-20th century, were the result of crossbreeding Hybrid Tea roses and Floribunda roses. Their name, fittingly, means “large-flowered.”
Grandiflora roses are celebrated for combining the best traits of their parent classes: the flower form and long stems of Hybrid Teas with the hardiness and continuous blooming habit of Floribundas.
Size: Characterized by an upright and sturdy growth habit, Grandifloras typically stand tall at 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters), though some varieties can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height. They are slightly wider than Hybrid Teas, allowing for a fuller garden presence.
Flowers: The flower of the Grandiflora rose is its crowning glory. These roses produce solitary and clustered large blooms, often boasting the high-centered form of Hybrid Teas but on Floribunda-like clusters. Flower colors range from the purest white to the deepest red, with all shades of pink, yellow, and even multi-colors in between.
Bloom time: Grandifloras bloom profusely from late spring to early fall, presenting a continuous display of color.
Hardiness: They are generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9, though some can thrive up to zone 10 with proper care.
Uses: In landscape design, Grandifloras serve multiple purposes. Their height and continuous bloom make them perfect for back borders, hedges, or as specimen plants.
Pollinators: They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thanks to their prolific and fragrant blooms.
The iconic ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose was the first recognized Grandiflora, introduced in 1954.