Pope John Paul II Hybrid Tea Rose

This elegant rose is the showpiece of the Vatican private garden and will gladly grace yours as well. Among the finest white roses ever, it produces pure, luminous white, lavishly petaled 5-inch blossoms with a delightful fresh citrus fragrance. This exceptional hybrid tea has received top ratings for its powerful scent, vigorous growth, good disease resistance, and perfect bloom form.

These sparkling blooms unfurl from delightful pointed, ovoid buds, revealing up to 30 clean white petals. They arise in flushes throughout their early summer to late summer season, standing out brilliantly against the background of glossy, dark green, disease-resistant foliage. The plants themselves reach a mature height of 4 to 5 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet, so they're ideal for a number of situations: beds, borders, cut gardens, even large patio containers.

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun and water regularly, preferably in the morning. A layer of mulch during the summer months helps to retain moisture, keep roots cool, and discourage the growth of weeds. Prune hybrid tea roses to half height or 18-20 inches above the ground in early spring. Remove old canes and dead wood. Cut back canes that cross each other. Gardeners in warmer climates will want to cut the remaining canes by one-third, while those in colder climates will probably need to trim it a bit more.

NOTE: Tree and patio roses are hardy to Zone 6 regardless of the rose variety grafted to their tops.