How to Grow Ambition
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Ambition
Rosa 'Ambition'
flowerAmbition is a hybrid tea rose known for its deep red, full double blooms with excellent vase life and fragrance. This vigorous rose is prized by florists and gardeners for its classic form and reliable performance in most climates. It produces long stems ideal for cutting arrangements.
When should you plant Ambition in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Ambition timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ambition
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Ambition blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ambition dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; performs best in moderate climates with cool nights
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Get my Ambition timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose develops root system and establishes growth; foliage emerges gradually
Water gently but consistently; avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks; prune lightly to encourage branching
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops strong canes with healthy green foliage; stems elongate in preparation for flowering
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly; deadhead any early weak flowers; monitor for pests and diseases; prune to shape plant
Budbreak & Blooming
3-4 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips; tight buds develop the classic spiral form and deepen in color
Switch to rose-specific fertilizer higher in phosphorus; maintain consistent watering; provide support stakes if needed for heavy stems
Full Bloom
2-3 weeks per bloom cycleFlowers open to full, multi-petaled blooms with deep red color and strong fragrance; excellent for cutting
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; cut stems at 45-degree angle for arrangements; maintain disease prevention
Fall Dormancy & Winter Rest
12+ weeks depending on zoneGrowth slows in fall; plant prepares for winter rest with reduced blooming in cooler zones
Reduce watering slightly; apply winter mulch (4-6 inches) before hard freeze; prune only dead canes; withhold fertilizer in zones below 7
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs; apply sulfur powder
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use miticide; provide adequate spacing for air circulation
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; mulch to prevent spore splash
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Ensure adequate spacing; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or baking soda spray; remove affected foliage
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Rose petals for decorating
CulinaryCulinary-grade rose petals can be used to garnish desserts and gourmet dishes, or candied for decoration. Confirm pesticide-free growing practices if using blooms for consumption. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdAmbition is a premier florist rose prized for its long stems, full form, and longevity in the vase. It's ideal for bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and formal arrangements. [source]
Rose hip and petal tea
MedicinalRose hips (fruit) and petals contain vitamin C and antioxidants traditionally used for herbal tea and wellness. Ensure plants are grown without synthetic pesticides if harvested for medicinal use. [source]
Dried flowers for crafts
CraftBlooms can be dried by hanging upside-down in cool shade and used in potpourri, wreaths, pressed flower art, and decorative crafts. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeRoses provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Double-flowered varieties like Ambition are less efficient for pollinators than single-petaled roses, but still contribute to garden ecology. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut stems in early morning when blooms are fully open but petals still crisp; cut at 45-degree angle above outward-facing leaf node; remove lower foliage and thorns before arranging; place immediately in water with floral food for longest vase life (7-10 days typical)
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ambition was bred in Germany and is known in the cut flower trade as 'Ambitie'; it has been a consistent favorite in commercial floristry for decades due to its reliability and color depth.
- 🌱 Red roses have long symbolized love and passion across cultures; the compound responsible for rose fragrance includes over 300 volatile molecules, with linalool and geraniol being primary components.
- 🌱 Roses were cultivated in Persia and China over 5,000 years ago; the modern hybrid tea rose class emerged in the 1800s, combining the vigor of wild roses with the form and fragrance of heritage garden roses.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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