Rosa ‘Swarthmore’

This week we are preparing for our graduation tradition of pinning roses on seniors’ gowns. Often at this time of year, we are nervous about having enough roses in bloom to accommodate the graduating class. Because of our warm spring, the Dean Bond Rose Garden is looking spectacular and is overflowing with blooms.

Rosa 'Swarthmore' in bloom in the Dean Bond Rose Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

An arresting hybrid tea rose named after Swarthmore College currently blooming in the garden is Rosa ‘Swarthmore’. Registered in 1963, ‘Swarthmore’ exhibits the traditional characteristics of a hybrid tea rose. This shrub produces long pointed buds which slowly unfurl at the end of the stem, as opposed to the clusters of flowers found on many species roses. Hybrid tea roses are the classic long-stem roses ideal for cut flowers.

The unique coloration of Rosa 'Swarthmore' photo credit. R. Robert

R. ‘Swarthmore’ has a unique pink-red color bloom. In the tradition of hybrid teas, the double bloom has a slight fragrance that has been described as spicy.  Stop by the Dean Bond Rose Garden to evaluate the fragrance yourself. Check out the guide from Greater Philadelphia Gardens to all the great rose gardens throughout the greater Philadelphia region.