Chrysler Imperial – pharmaROSA® NEONATAL own-root propagation material
Premium own-root pharmaROSA® NEONATAL material of Chrysler Imperial offers a classic hybrid tea for nurseries focused on exhibition flower quality and fragrant cut production, with bush-trained 3–5 cane structure ideal for 5–7 L container routes into exclusive retail assortments. The deep, velvety colour and very double, high-centred blooms deliver strong perceived value in premium-point products, while own-root longevity supports stable, low-replacement stock for collection and specimen projects in the UK, where performance under typical Scottish and northern English winters with reliable hardiness is a key planning factor. Within a professional crop plan, this cultivar can be integrated as rooted cuttings into nursery propagation beds, then stepped up through premium container production for timed releases; roots consolidate in year one, structural shoots frame the plant in year two, and full ornamental and cutting value is generally expressed from year three under standard maintenance programmes.
Usage options
Finished-product ideas
- Premium 5–7 L fragrance bush – Bush-trained, 3–5 cane plants in 5–7 L containers focused on very double, high-centred blooms and strong fragrance, suited to exclusive finished product retail benches – retail / reseller.
- Exhibition hybrid tea line – Uniform own-root stock selected for solitary XL blooms and cut-rose form, marketed as an exhibition-capable hybrid tea within premium container formats – specialist rose retailers.
- Iconic dark-red specimen – Larger 7 L specimens emphasising velvety dark-red colour and classic flower form, positioned as focal plants for thematic and collection gardens – landscape nurseries and show-garden contractors.
- Fragrance hero trio – A curated set where Chrysler Imperial is the dark-red, strongly scented anchor, grown in aligned 5–7 L formats to simplify bench presentation – garden centres seeking premium scented ranges.
- Heritage collection module – A branded heritage/award-winner grouping using own-root containers of Chrysler Imperial to add historic depth and flower-form prestige – nurseries building private-label rose collections.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose cultivar Chrysler Imperial, registered as Chrysler Imperial, with American Rose Society approved exhibition name identical; commercial use as hybrid tea rose within premium bronze quality category. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Walter Edward Lammerts at Armstrong Nurseries, California, from ‘Charlotte Armstrong’ × ‘Mirandy’; introduced in the United States in 1952 by Germain Seed & Plant Co. as a high-value hybrid tea. |
| Awards and recognition |
Widely recognised with Portland Gold Medal (1951), All-America Rose Selections winner (1953), ARS National Gold Medal Certificate (1956), ARS John Cook Medal (1964) and James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Medal (1965). |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright hybrid tea bush reaching approximately 100–140 cm in height and 70–110 cm spread, medium foliage density with dark green leaves, and densely thorned canes, giving a robust, structurally defined framework. |
| Flower morphology |
Very double, 40+ petalled XL flowers with solitary, high-centred, pointed buds of classic cut-rose type; remontant with abundant second flowering, though spent blooms require manual removal due to weak self-cleaning. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep, velvety dark-red with ruby undertones; ARS DR, RHS 53A/60A; buds dark ruby with blackened sheen, newly opened blooms rich burgundy, ageing towards bluer tones with slight fade under strong sun yet overall very good retention. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Very strong, long-lasting fragrance with a deep, classic rose character; bloom form largely conceals stamens, so ornamental and scent value dominate over pollinator function in commercial and display applications. |
| Hip characteristics |
Rose hips are usually limited because of very double flowers and regular pruning; where present, hips are ellipsoidal, approximately 10–14 mm in diameter, with a clear red colour on mature infructescences. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Medium general disease resistance with moderate tolerance to powdery mildew and black spot, good rust resistance; hardy to about -21 to -18 °C, corresponding to RHS H7, Swedish zone 3 and USDA zone 6b conditions. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Suited to flower beds, containers, cut-flower and specimen use; prefers premium container production with medium maintenance and occasional plant protection; best as bush-trained plants with 3–5 strong framework canes from own-root material. |
Chrysler Imperial as pharmaROSA® NEONATAL own-root material offers award-backed flower quality, intense fragrance and hardy, regenerative stands that support predictable, long-lived premium production; we invite you to discuss volumes, scheduling and integration.
