How to Grow Chicago Peace
Wikimedia Commons
Chicago Peace
Rosa × hybrida 'Chicago Peace'
flowerChicago Peace is a hybrid tea rose featuring large, full blooms with a striking blend of golden yellow, orange-red, and coral-pink colors that deepen with age. This vigorous, disease-resistant cultivar was introduced in 1962 and has become a favorite for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements. The plant produces fragrant, long-stemmed flowers ideal for bouquets and exhibitions.
When should you plant Chicago Peace 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 Chicago Peace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Chicago Peace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Chicago Peace blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chicago Peace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
Sign up free to see if Chicago Peace grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Chicago Peace timeline →Growth Stages
Bare Root/Transplant Establishment
3-4 weeksNewly planted rose with sparse foliage and thin canes; root system is developing
Water thoroughly after planting; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid fertilizing for first 2-3 weeks; prune out any dead or damaged canes; shelter from strong winds
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeks after plantingVigorous cane growth with healthy deep-green foliage and rapid development of side shoots; no flowers yet
Water consistently; apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; remove competing weeds; monitor for early pest/disease signs; pinch back tall canes to encourage branching
Bud Formation & First Blooming
3-4 weeks per flushFlower buds appear on branch tips; blooms gradually open, initially tight and light in color, then revealing full color and form
Ensure adequate water for developing buds; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, increase phosphorus to promote flowering; deadhead spent blooms just above first 5-leaflet leaf; support heavy buds with stakes if needed
Repeat Blooming Cycle
Continuous from late spring through fall frostEstablished rose enters cyclical blooming pattern; produces successive flushes of flowers throughout growing season with periods of cane growth between blooms
Continue regular deadheading and watering; fertilize every 3-4 weeks during growing season; monitor disease pressure in humid conditions; prune side shoots after each bloom flush
Dormancy/Winter Preparation
8-12 weeks (October-March in zone 6)Growth slows as days shorten; foliage may yellow or drop; canes harden for winter protection
Reduce watering as growth slows; stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before first frost; do not deadhead final fall blooms (let hips develop); apply winter mulch after ground freezes in cold climates; prune heavy branches that might break under snow
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps
-
Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from garden; apply neem oil or spinosad; remove and destroy affected foliage
-
Increase humidity; spray with strong water; use miticide or sulfur spray in cool weather; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
-
Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; control aphid vectors; plant resistant varieties nearby
-
Remove infected foliage promptly; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; apply fungicide (sulfur, copper, or triazole) preventatively every 7-10 days in humid conditions
-
Ensure good air circulation and sunlight; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate spray; remove heavily infected canes
Uses
Ornamental and Cut Flower Arrangements
CulinaryChicago Peace is prized by florists and gardeners for its exceptional cutting qualities, producing long-stemmed blooms with excellent vase life (7-10 days). The dramatic bi-color flowers with their complex color shifts make them showstoppers in wedding bouquets, exhibitions, and arrangements. [source]
Flower Pressing and Drying
CraftThe full, colorful petals can be pressed between newspaper under weights or dried in a silica gel mix to preserve their vibrant hues. These preserved blooms are used in crafts, bookmarks, framed arrangements, and resin jewelry. [source]
Rose Water and Perfumery
HouseholdRose petals can be distilled to create fragrant rose water for culinary or cosmetic use, or used in potpourri and sachet preparations. The fragrant oils contribute to homemade beauty products and aromatherapy applications. [source]
Pollinator Garden Benefit
WildlifeWhile hybrid tea roses have fewer easily accessible nectar and pollen than wild roses, Chicago Peace still attracts bees and other beneficial insects, contributing to garden pollinator diversity. The plant provides food sources during its extended blooming season. [source]
Herbal Infusions and Wellness
MedicinalRose petals from organically grown plants can be dried and brewed into soothing teas traditionally used to support skin health and emotional well-being. Rose hip tea from the fruit provides vitamin C. [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 blooms in early morning when petals are firm but buds are just opening; make cuts at 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf node; use sharp pruners to avoid bruising stems; remove lower foliage before arranging; change vase water every 2 days; Chicago Peace blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season from spring until frost
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chicago Peace was introduced in 1962 and named as a sister seedling to the world-famous 'Peace' rose, inheriting its disease resistance while adding spectacular coral and orange tones to the golden-yellow base color.
- 🌱 This rose has won numerous horticultural awards including recognition from the American Rose Society, and remains one of the most reliable and forgiving hybrid tea roses for home gardeners despite its show-quality blooms.
- 🌱 Chicago Peace exhibits color variation depending on temperature, light, and maturity—blooms develop deeper, richer orange-red hues in cooler weather and may be paler yellow-gold in intense summer heat, making each bloom unique.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Chicago Peace planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Chicago Peace seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Chicago Peace timeline →