How to Grow Deep Secret Rose
Deep Secret Rose
Rosa 'Deep Secret'
shrubDeep Secret is a hybrid tea rose known for its deep crimson to dark red flowers with a velvety texture and strong fragrance. This upright shrub rose produces large, full blooms on long stems ideal for cutting, and blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season. It's prized by gardeners for its classic rose appearance and intense, sweet perfume.
When should you plant Deep Secret Rose in your zone?
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Example Deep Secret Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Deep Secret Rose
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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Harvest Deep Secret Rose
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Deep Secret Rose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5b-9a; thrives in temperate climates with moderate summers
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Establishment
4-6 weeksRecently planted bare-root or container rose establishing root system with initial foliage growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid fertilizing for 6 weeks. Protect from extreme temperature swings. Remove any damaged canes.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksStrong cane development with dark green foliage; plant becomes fuller and more robust
Begin light fertilizing with balanced rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Budding & Flowering
4-6 weeks per cycle; repeat cycles spring through fallDeep red flower buds form on cane terminals; flowers open into full, fragrant blooms with velvety petals
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with rose-specific fertilizer high in phosphorus. Deadhead spent blooms promptly. Water consistently. Stake if needed for support.
Summer Dormancy & Fall Rebloom
6-12 weeks depending on climateReduced flowering during extreme heat; renewed vigor and blooming as temperatures cool in fall
May need afternoon shade in zones 8-9 during peak summer. Continue watering. Resume regular fertilizing in late summer for fall flush.
Winter Dormancy
8-16 weeksFoliage drops or persists depending on zone; plant enters rest period
Cease fertilizing 6 weeks before first frost. Reduce watering in zones 5-6. In zones 8-9, may bloom sporadically. Prune in late winter to 12-18 inches in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps 20+ feet away from roses; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; beneficial nematodes in soil
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Increase humidity; spray forcefully with water; apply horticultural oil or sulfur in cool weather; use miticides if severe
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Ensure good airflow; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray; use fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil
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Remove infected leaves promptly; avoid wetting foliage; improve air circulation; apply fungicides with chlorothalonil or sulfur; mulch to prevent soil splash
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove affected flowers; use blue sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Rose Water & Culinary Petals
CulinaryDeep Secret rose petals (unsprayed) can be used to infuse rose water for baking and beverages, or crystallized for cake decoration. The fragrant petals add elegance to desserts and specialty teas. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe long stems and full, velvety blooms make Deep Secret ideal for wedding bouquets, Valentine's arrangements, and premium cut flower displays. Flowers last exceptionally well in vases. [source]
Rose Hip & Herbal Remedies
MedicinalAfter flowers fade, rose hips develop rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Dried hips make soothing teas that support immune function and joint health. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and other garden wildlife. [source]
Dried Flowers & Potpourri
CraftFully opened blooms can be dried for long-lasting arrangements, pressed flowers, or blended into fragrant potpourri. The strong scent persists even when dried. [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 fully open but still firm. Use sharp rose shears to cut at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf node. Remove lower foliage below the waterline. Change vase water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems. Blooms last 7-10 days in a vase with rose food.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Deep Secret won the prestigious Royal National Rose Society award and is known as one of the darkest red hybrid tea roses, with blooms that can appear almost black in certain light conditions.
- 🌱 Despite its dark coloring, Deep Secret produces strong, sweet fragrance that intensifies in warm weather—one of the few deeply colored roses to combine dramatic appearance with robust scent.
- 🌱 This rose was bred in 1978 by Weeks Roses in California and has remained popular for over 40 years, prized by gardeners and florists worldwide for its cutting quality and garden performance.
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