Summer Surprise Hybrid Tea Rose

Summer Surprise is a Jackson & Perkins exclusive hybrid tea rose that brings warm, ever-changing color and irresistible fragrance to the garden. Introduced in 2014, this variety opens with large 5-inch blooms that begin as sunny yellow touched with orange edging, then shift into a glowing blend of both hues as they mature. Each flower contains around 25 petals and carries a distinctive clove scent—an aromatic detail that enhances the experience in a way images alone can't capture. Held on 14- to 16-inch stems, the blooms are perfect for cutting, allowing their evolving colors and spicy fragrance to brighten your home.

This rose remains appealing even when out of bloom, thanks to its semi-glossy, dark green foliage that provides a clean, polished backdrop for the vibrant flowers. With a habit well-suited to sunny beds, mixed borders, hedges, and even large containers, Summer Surprise offers versatile placement in the garden. Its warm palette pairs beautifully with blue salvia, purple catmint, or soft yellow perennials, creating dynamic combinations that highlight its shifting colors. Whether showcased alone or woven into a mixed planting, this rose brings a joyful summer mood to any setting.

Summer Surprise thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, responding best to consistent spring pruning. Cut the plant back to half its height—or about 18 to 20 inches—then remove old canes, dead wood, and any crossing branches. Gardeners in warmer climates should prune the remaining canes by one-third, while those in colder areas may need to trim a bit more for winter preparedness. With thoughtful seasonal care, this rose rewards you with months of radiant blooms, evolving color, and a comforting clove fragrance that truly lives up to its name.

For more rose-growing insights to support healthy growth and prolific blooming of your Summer Surprise hybrid tea roses, visit our comprehensive rose care video library.