Sterling Silver Bare Root Rose Bush

Rosa ‘STERling’ Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver™ is a hybrid tea rose bred by Esther Gladys Fisher (USA) and introduced in 1957 by Jackson & Perkins. It is recognized as the world’s first lavender hybrid tea, setting the stage for generations of mauve and lavender roses. The blooms are large, high-centered, and silvery lavender in color with a strong, sweet fragrance. Flowers are carried mostly singly on long stems, making it a favorite for cutting despite somewhat lower garden vigor.

💐 Plant & Flower Traits
🌹 Rose Type: Hybrid Tea
🧬 Breeder: Esther Gladys Fisher
🏢 Introduced By: Jackson & Perkins 1957
🎨 Color: Silvery lavender
🌸 Petal Count: ~25–30 petals
💠 Bloom Form: High-centered, double
📏 Bloom Size: ~4–5″ (10–12 cm) across
🔁 Flowering: Repeat blooming, spring through fall
🏺 Vase Life: Excellent for cutting and exhibition
🧴 Fragrance: Strong, sweet rose

🏡 Growth & Garden Habits
🌿 Growth Type: Upright hybrid tea with long cutting stems
☀️ Light Requirements: Full sun
❄️ Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–9
📐 Spacing: ~3 ft (90 cm)
↕️ Height: ~3–4 ft (90–120 cm)
↔️ Width: ~2–3 ft (60–90 cm)

🛡️ Health & Suitability
💪 Disease Resistance: Below average; can be prone to mildew and black spot in humid climates
🌎 Regional Recommendations: Best in dry, warm climates such as the West Coast; requires attentive care in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast