How to Grow Ingrid Bergman Rose

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Ingrid Bergman Rose

Rosa 'Ingrid Bergman'

shrub

Ingrid Bergman is a hybrid tea rose known for its deep red, velvety blooms and strong fragrance. This award-winning cultivar produces large, classically-formed flowers on vigorous, upright bushes that reach 3-4 feet tall. It's prized by florists and home gardeners for its disease resistance and reliable performance.

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Example Ingrid Bergman Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ingrid Bergman Rose

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Ingrid Bergman Rose

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ingrid Bergman Rose dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum 6 hours for best blooms)
💧
Water: Deep, consistent watering 1-2 inches per week; water at soil level to avoid foliage diseases; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first blooms from planting; established plants bloom continuously in season
🌱
Planting depth: Graft union 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold climates, at or slightly above soil in warm climates

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Rose fertilizer (balanced NPK)

Growing Zones

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Ideal in zones 6-9; cold hardy to zone 5b with winter protection

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy & Pruning

1-2 weeks

Bare-root or dormant canes with minimal foliage; plant appears inactive

Spring planting preferred; soak bare-root roses 12 hours before planting; prune damaged canes; apply dormant oil spray if needed

2

Leaf-Out & Growth

3-4 weeks

Buds break and foliage emerges; new red-tinged leaves expand rapidly along canes

Apply balanced fertilizer as growth begins; ensure consistent watering; monitor for spider mites in warm weather

3

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds develop at branch tips; tight, pointed buds form with sepals protecting developing petals

Apply rose or bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus); continue regular watering; remove weak or thin canes

4

Flowering

6-8+ weeks (continuous in season with proper care)

Large, deep red double blooms with velvety texture open to full form; strong fragrance present; blooms last 1-2 weeks per flower

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering; apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during season; maintain consistent moisture

5

Fall Dormancy

4-6 weeks before hard freeze

Flowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage may yellow or redden; plant prepares for winter rest

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; stop deadheading in fall to allow hips to form (signals dormancy); mulch heavily (4-6 inches) before frost

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Other roses prone to same diseases (space 3+ feet apart for air circulation) Plants that require frequent overhead watering

Common Pests

  • Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level only; apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first signs; resistant variety selection

  • Remove infected leaves; clean up fallen debris; apply fungicide (sulfur, copper, or synthetic); improve air flow around plant

  • Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; use neem oil for heavy infestations

  • Increase humidity with regular misting; spray undersides of leaves with water; apply neem oil or miticide in severe cases

  • No cure; remove and destroy infected plant; control eriophyid mites that spread virus; purchase disease-free stock

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Pesticide-free Ingrid Bergman petals can garnish desserts, salads, and cocktails. Only petals from untreated roses are safe for consumption. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers & Floral Design

Craft

Ingrid Bergman is a classic florist rose, excellent for bouquets, arrangements, and wedding flowers due to its elegant form and velvety deep red color. Cut flowers typically last 7-14 days in a vase. [source]

💊

Rose Hip Preparations

Medicinal

The hips developing after flowering are rich in vitamin C and can be used to make tea, tinctures, or jams. Traditional herbal medicine uses rose hips to support immune function. [source]

🏠

Rose Water & Fragrance

Household

Petals from fragrant Ingrid Bergman can be dried and used to make rose water, perfumes, or potpourri. The strong fragrance makes this variety ideal for such preparations. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Flowering roses attract bees and beneficial insects. Allowing some flowers to develop into hips provides food for birds and small mammals in fall and winter. [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 stems are fully hydrated; use sharp, clean pruners; cut at 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf; remove lower foliage below waterline; recut stems and place immediately in cool water with flower food

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ingrid Bergman rose won the prestigious All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award in 1984 and has remained a best-selling garden rose worldwide for four decades.
  • 🌱 Named after the legendary Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, this rose embodies classic beauty and elegance much like the actress herself.
  • 🌱 The deep red color of Ingrid Bergman deepens during cool weather, and some gardeners report the blooms are most vibrant in spring and fall rather than hot summer months.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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