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Chrysler Imperial Rose for Velvety Red Blooms, Classic Fragrance, and Long-Stem Cutting Flowers
Velvety Deep Red Blooms With Timeless Hybrid Tea Elegance
Chrysler Imperial is the kind of red rose that looks instantly “classic.” The blooms are large, high-centered, and richly saturated—deep crimson with a velvety finish that reads dramatic and luxurious in the garden. If you want that traditional rose-bed look with blooms that feel like they belong in a formal bouquet, this variety delivers it in a big way, especially when planted where sunlight can deepen color and encourage strong bud production.
Because it’s a true hybrid tea, the flowers have that clean, sculpted form that makes each bloom feel like a centerpiece. It’s an ideal choice for gardeners who want a rose that photographs beautifully, looks elegant from a distance, and rewards close-up viewing with layered petals and a refined bloom shape. Plant one, and you’ll understand why deep red hybrid teas remain the standard for “signature rose” beauty.
A Rich, Old-School Rose Fragrance You Can Actually Smell
One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with the Chrysler Imperial is the scent. This is not a faint “maybe” fragrance—it’s the kind of classic rose perfume you notice as you pass by. Put it near a patio, path, or entry where you’ll catch that scent regularly, and it becomes part of your garden's daily experience. For many rose lovers, fragrance is the whole point, and Chrysler Imperial is a strong choice when scent matters.
That fragrance also makes it a standout for cutting. A single stem in a vase can make a room feel warmer and more inviting, and the deep red color is perfect for dramatic arrangements. If your goal is a rose you’ll enjoy outside and bring indoors often, this variety delivers that satisfying “real rose” moment again and again through the season.
Long Stems And Repeat Bloom Cycles For A True Cutting Garden Rose
Chrysler Imperial blooms in flushes from late spring into fall, producing that classic hybrid tea rhythm: buds, blooms, then the next wave. The flowers sit on long stems, making it ideal for cutting gardens and rose beds where you want high-quality blooms you can harvest without sacrificing the plant’s look. With consistent sun and a steady care routine, you’ll get frequent bloom cycles that keep the garden looking active rather than “finished” after one big show.
In the landscape, it typically grows into an upright shrub, reaching 4–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide. That size works well as a featured plant, in small groupings, or lined along a sunny bed for a formal rose-garden feel. Give it the room it needs, and it will reward you with better stems, better airflow, and a fuller, more productive plant over time.
Healthier Foliage Starts With Airflow, Base Watering, And Balanced Feeding
Like many classic hybrid tea roses, Chrysler Imperial performs best when you prioritize clean growing conditions. Full sun is essential, and spacing matters more than people think—good airflow helps leaves dry quickly and supports cleaner foliage. Water at the base, not overhead, and you’ll reduce stress and help the plant keep its energy focused on bloom production rather than recovery.
Feed in early spring as growth begins, then again after the first major bloom flush to keep the rebloom strong. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which can lead to lush leaves and fewer flowers. When you combine smart spacing, base watering, and moderate feeding, Chrysler Imperial becomes a reliable, fragrant red rose that looks and performs like a classic should.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 feet |
| Mature width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Classification: | Hybrid Tea Rose |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring through fall; deep velvety red |
| Soil Condition: | Fertile, well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral preferred |
| Water | Medium; deep watering, allow slight dry-down between waterings |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees and beneficial pollinators when blooming |
| Resistance | Not reliably deer resistant; better disease performance with sun + airflow; moderate drought tolerance once established |
| Landscape Uses | Cut flower gardens, rose beds, sunny borders, patio-adjacent plantings, specimen shrub, fragrance gardens |
How to Care for Chrysler Imperial Rose
Before you buy a Chrysler Imperial Rose, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Chrysler Imperial Rose?
Plant Chrysler Imperial Rose in full sun, in well-drained soil, with room for airflow. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and form a shallow watering ring so water soaks into the root zone. Mulch 2–3 inches to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the canes and crown. If your soil stays wet, plant slightly high or improve drainage before planting. A strong start with sun and drainage will produce stronger canes and better blooms.
How often should I water my Chrysler Imperial Rose after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then continue with a deep soak about once per week during the first growing season. In hot weather, sandy soil, or windy sites, increase to twice per week. Deep watering encourages deep roots, which support better flowering and heat tolerance. After establishment, water during extended dry spells and during heavy bloom cycles. Always water at the base to keep foliage drier and healthier. The goal is steady root-zone moisture without keeping the oil constantly wet.
When should I fertilize my Chrysler Imperial Rose?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins, using a rose fertilizer or balanced slow-release fertilizer. This supports strong canes and sets the stage for heavy flowering. Water after feeding so nutrients move into the soil rather than sitting on dry roots. Feed again after the first major bloom flush to encourage repeat flowering through summer. Avoid heavy fertilizing late in the season, which can push tender growth when the plant should be slowing down. Consistent, moderate feeding gives the best flowers.
When and how should I prune Chrysler Imperial Rose?
Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood first, then thin weak and crossing canes to open the center for airflow. Make clean cuts just above outward-facing buds to encourage a balanced, vase-like structure and long-stem blooms. During the season, deadhead spent blooms to promote rebloom and keep the plant tidy. Avoid harsh pruning during extreme heat. An annual prune, plus light in-season shaping, keep Chrysler Imperial productive and well-formed.