Introduction & History

For six decades, 'Mister Lincoln' has been the dark red rose against which all others are measured, a towering Hybrid Tea that combines velvety crimson blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and bullet-proof garden performance into a package that no breeder has managed to surpass. Introduced by Swim and Weeks in 1964, it was named for the sixteenth President of the United States, and like its namesake, it stands tall, dignified, and commanding above the crowd. The blooms are deeply cupped, unfurling from near-black buds into large, velvety dark red flowers that release a fragrance so rich and penetrating it can be detected from several meters away. The plant itself is a model of vigor, growing tall and strong with excellent disease resistance and tireless repeat bloom from spring through frost. Where 'Général Jacqueminot' defined the red rose for the nineteenth century, 'Mister Lincoln' has done the same for the twentieth and twenty-first, proving that a red rose can be both breathtakingly beautiful and reassuringly easy to grow.

Breeding History

Bred by Herbert Swim and O.L. Weeks at the Weeks Roses nursery in California, USA, and introduced in 1964. Its parentage is 'Chrysler Imperial' x 'Charles Mallerin,' combining two of the finest dark red Hybrid Teas of the mid-twentieth century. 'Chrysler Imperial' contributed fragrance and dark coloring, while 'Charles Mallerin' added depth and velvety texture. The rose was named for Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It won the AARS (All-America Rose Selections) award in 1965, confirming its nationwide garden performance. It has been one of the best-selling dark red roses in the United States for over half a century.

Flower Form & Fragrance

Blooms are large, 10-14 cm across, with 30-40 petals forming the classic high-centered Hybrid Tea form. Buds are nearly black, long and pointed, opening to deeply cupped flowers of dark, velvety crimson-red. The petals have an extraordinary velvety texture that absorbs light, creating a richness of color unmatched by brighter reds. The color darkens in cool weather and may develop purple tones with age. The fragrance is superb: deep, rich, intensely sweet, and thoroughly classic red-rose perfume, consistently rated among the strongest of any modern Hybrid Tea. Flowers are borne singly on very long, strong stems.

Garden Design & Uses

The definitive red rose for any garden. Plant in formal rose beds, mixed borders, or as a specimen where its commanding presence can be appreciated. Creates powerful contrast with white and yellow roses. Combine with silver-foliaged plants like artemisia and stachys for dramatic effect. Outstanding as a tall hedge at 75-90 cm spacing, providing months of dark red bloom and fragrance. Feature in a dedicated cutting garden for an endless supply of magnificent cut flowers. The tall, upright habit suits the back of borders and formal plantings.

Growth Habit & Hardiness

A vigorous, tall, upright shrub reaching 120-180 cm in height with a spread of 80-100 cm. Growth is strong and stiffly upright, with long, robust stems. Foliage is large, dark green, semi-glossy to matte, and abundantly produced. The dark foliage provides an excellent backdrop for the dark red blooms. Thorns are moderate, medium-sized, and slightly hooked. The plant builds a tall, somewhat narrow framework. Very long cutting stems are naturally produced, often 50-70 cm. Basal growth is reliable, maintaining vigor over many years.

Climate & Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10. Good cold tolerance with winter protection. Bred in California, it performs exceptionally in warm, dry climates where the velvety flowers open slowly and hold their form. Heat tolerance is very good; one of the best dark red roses for hot climates. In cool, wet climates, the dark petals may show rain damage and botrytis more readily. The dark coloring absorbs heat, which can shorten bloom life in extreme heat. Best in climates with warm days and cool nights.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Planting & Container Growing

Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-6.5. Standard rose bed preparation with compost and balanced fertilizer is sufficient. Set the bud union 5-8 cm below soil level in cold climates, at soil level in mild climates. Space 75-90 cm apart. Full sun is essential for the darkest color and best fragrance development. Morning sun with afternoon protection from extreme heat helps preserve bloom quality in hot zones. Good air circulation is important to prevent botrytis on the dark petals. Mulch to maintain soil moisture.

Container Growing

Feasibility: Good. Its upright habit suits container culture, though the tall growth needs a substantial, stable pot. Use a 45-55 liter container with drainage holes. Plant in quality potting mix with slow-release fertilizer. Water deeply and consistently, as the dark foliage increases heat absorption. Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season. The long stems and large blooms create a striking display on a sunny terrace. Protect containers from freezing in winter. A support stake may be helpful for the tallest stems.

Seasonal Care & Pruning

Spring: Prune in early spring, removing dead wood and reducing main canes by one-third to one-half. Apply balanced rose fertilizer at bud break. Begin preventive fungicide if needed locally. Summer: Deadhead promptly after each bloom for continuous flowering. Water deeply at least twice weekly during hot weather. Feed every 3-4 weeks. Enjoy the peak fragrance during warm evenings. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Autumn: Reduce feeding in September. Apply potassium fertilizer. Continue deadheading until frost. Clean up fallen foliage. Winter: Mound base with soil or mulch in zones 5-6. Protect canes from drying winter winds. Minimal care needed in zones 7+.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1) Growing in shade, which lightens the dark red color and reduces fragrance intensity. 2) Not providing adequate water during hot weather, when the dark petals and large blooms demand consistent moisture. 3) Planting in wet, humid climates without extra attention to air circulation and fungal prevention. 4) Failing to deadhead promptly, which delays the next flush of this reliably repeat-blooming cultivar. 5) Comparing it to newer dark red roses without recognizing that few, if any, match its overall combination of color, fragrance, and performance.

Propagation

Commercially propagated by budding onto 'Dr. Huey' or Rosa multiflora rootstock in the USA, Rosa canina in Europe. Note that 'Mister Lincoln' was patented (now expired), so propagation is currently unrestricted. Hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn have moderate success, around 45-55%. Semi-ripe cuttings in summer under mist yield better results. Own-root plants perform well in mild climates. Layering is possible with lower canes. Difficulty rating: Moderate. Standard Hybrid Tea propagation techniques apply.

Diseases & Pests

Good disease resistance for a dark red Hybrid Tea. Moderate susceptibility to black spot in wet conditions, less than many dark red roses. Some powdery mildew may appear in dry weather with cool nights. The dark petals can develop botrytis (grey mold) in prolonged wet weather. Preventive spraying every 14-21 days is advisable in humid climates. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions. Aphids cluster on buds and new growth in spring. Japanese beetles are strongly attracted to the fragrant dark blooms. Overall, among the healthiest dark red Hybrid Teas available.

Cut Flowers & Exhibition

One of the supreme cut roses in the world. The long stems, classic form, dark color, and extraordinary fragrance make it the ideal cut flower. Harvest when buds show full dark color and are beginning to unfurl. Cut stems 50-70 cm long in early morning. Condition in deep, cool water with floral preservative. Vase life is 7-10 days. The near-black buds opening to velvety crimson are spectacular in bud vases. The fragrance fills rooms dramatically. Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and romantic occasions.

Collector & Exhibition Notes

A benchmark dark red exhibition rose that has won countless show awards over six decades. Show-quality blooms should display the classic high-centered form with deep, even dark red coloring and no bluing or fading. The long stems present beautifully on the show bench. AARS winner 1965. Available from virtually every rose nursery; not rare but perennially essential. The standard by which all dark red Hybrid Teas are judged. A must-have for any modern rose collection.

Comparison with Similar Roses

Compared to 'Chrysler Imperial' (its parent), 'Mister Lincoln' has better disease resistance, more vigor, and equally good fragrance. Against 'Oklahoma,' it offers a clearer dark red without the muddiness that can affect 'Oklahoma' in some climates. When compared to the more recent 'Black Magic,' 'Mister Lincoln' has stronger fragrance and better garden performance, though 'Black Magic' may produce darker individual blooms.

Heritage & Conservation

As one of the most widely grown roses in the world, 'Mister Lincoln' faces no conservation threat. It is preserved in major rose collections including the American Rose Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Weeks Roses nursery continues to produce it. Its significance in the genealogy of dark red roses, descending from 'Général Jacqueminot' through 'Chrysler Imperial,' connects it to the entire history of red rose breeding. The Rose Hall of Fame recognizes its enduring importance.

Cultural Significance

Named for Abraham Lincoln, the rose carries associations of dignity, strength, and the American spirit. Dark red roses are the universal symbol of romantic love, and 'Mister Lincoln' has been the most popular Valentine's Day rose in America for decades. Its California origins reflect the post-war American rose breeding tradition that produced many of the world's finest Hybrid Teas. The AARS award confirmed its status as an American garden classic. It remains one of the best-selling roses in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions