The ‘Henry Fonda’ Hybrid Tea Rose is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its vibrant yellow blooms and classic form. Named after actor Henry Fonda, this rose cultivar is celebrated for its elegant, high-centered flowers, typically borne on long stems. Cultivating this rose brings striking color and traditional beauty to any garden.
Henry Fonda Rose Distinctive Features
The Henry Fonda Hybrid Tea Rose features large, brilliant yellow double flowers, about 4.5 inches across, with 20 to 25 petals. These blooms open slowly from long, pointed buds. Their intense yellow color holds well, resisting fading even in full sun. Borne singly on strong, tall stems, they are ideal for cutting and displaying.
This rose grows tall, upright, and bushy, reaching 3 to 5 feet high and spreading 2 to 5 feet wide. Its glossy, deep green foliage enhances the vibrant yellow blooms. It has a mild, sweet, or lemony scent and is known for its vigor and resistance to diseases like powdery mildew.
Cultivating Henry Fonda Hybrid Tea Roses
Cultivating the Henry Fonda Hybrid Tea Rose requires full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. Well-draining soil is crucial, ideally rich in organic matter with an acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If drainage is poor, creating a raised bed or planting mound can improve conditions.
Consistent watering is important, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged, as roses do not tolerate standing water. During dry periods or extended heat, supplemental watering may be necessary. Fertilization should be a regular part of care, typically applied before new growth in spring and again mid-season. Using a specialized rose and flower fertilizer or compost provides essential nutrients. This rose performs well in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10, though some sources extend this range to zones 4 or 5 through 10.
Pruning and Ongoing Care
Pruning is important for the health and vigor of Henry Fonda Hybrid Tea Roses. Dormant pruning should occur in late winter or early spring, three to four weeks before the average date of the last killing frost. Remove one-third to two-thirds of the plant to stimulate new growth and flower production. Also remove damaged or spindly canes, and those that cross, opening the plant’s center for better air circulation and light penetration.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering from spring to early fall. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. Mulching is beneficial, with a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic material like compost or well-rotted manure applied around the base of the plant in early spring. Mulch retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, but it should be kept away from the stems to prevent rot. For colder climates, winter protection is advised; mound 6 to 12 inches of garden soil or compost around the base after the first hard frost to protect the graft union.
Addressing Common Issues
Despite its disease resistance, the Henry Fonda Hybrid Tea Rose can face common problems. Fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew are common. Black spot, characterized by dark spots on leaves followed by yellowing and leaf drop, responds to good air circulation and sanitation. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
Pest infestations can occur, with aphids and spider mites being common culprits. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, while spider mites are tiny arachnids that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing. Regular inspection of the plant allows early detection. Prompt application of appropriate horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can manage these pests.