How to Grow Matsumoto Red
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Matsumoto Red
Rosa × hybrida 'Matsumoto Red'
flowerMatsumoto Red is a stunning hybrid tea rose renowned for its deep crimson-red petals and exceptional vase life, making it a favorite in the cut flower industry. The blooms are large, full-petaled, and highly fragrant, with a classic high-centered form. This variety is prized by florists and home gardeners for its striking color, longevity, and elegant appearance.
When should you plant Matsumoto Red in your zone?
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Example Matsumoto Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Matsumoto Red
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 Matsumoto Red blooms
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Matsumoto Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9b, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Matsumoto Red timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNew plant focuses on root development; minimal above-ground growth visible
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging; avoid heavy pruning; provide shelter from harsh winds in first season
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksCanes develop foliage, plant grows upright and bushy; healthy dark green leaves emerge
Begin regular feeding with rose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; prune out weak growth; ensure adequate sun exposure
Budding
2-3 weeksLarge flower buds form at the tips of strong canes; buds gradually swell and show color
Continue regular watering and feeding; remove any diseased leaves; provide support if needed for heavy buds
Flowering
10-14 days per bloom (longer than many roses)Blooms open into full, high-centered flowers with deep crimson-red petals and excellent fragrance
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming; maintain consistent watering; continue feeding
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
Varies by season; dormant period in winterAfter bloom cycle, plant may produce more canes; in fall, growth slows and plant prepares for dormancy or winter
Reduce fertilizer in late summer/fall; protect with mulch before winter; prune in early spring to shape plant
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves promptly, apply fungicide such as sulfur or neem oil, choose resistant varieties
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, spray with sulfur or neem oil, apply fungicide regularly in humid conditions
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil or miticide, maintain consistent watering
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants, control mites with miticides, plant only certified virus-free stock
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Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps away from plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal spray
Uses
Rose water and petal infusions
CulinaryFood-grade rose petals can be used to make rose water, infuse beverages, or decorate culinary dishes. The intense fragrance of Matsumoto Red makes it suitable for culinary applications when pesticide-free. [source]
Cut flower arrangements and floristry
CraftMatsumoto Red is a premium florist rose prized for its stunning deep crimson color, large blooms, and exceptional longevity in the vase. It is extensively used in bridal bouquets, floral centerpieces, and formal arrangements. [source]
Home fragrance and dried arrangements
HouseholdThe highly fragrant blooms can perfume a room; petals can be dried for potpourri, sachets, or dried flower arrangements. Dried petals retain both color and subtle fragrance. [source]
Traditional herbal remedies
MedicinalRose petals have been used in traditional medicine for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Rose hip tea (made from the fruit after flowering) is rich in vitamin C. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThough ornamental hybrids are less attractive to pollinators than wild roses, the flowers do provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects. [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 flowers in early morning or late evening when blooms are fully open but petals are still firm; use sharp, clean pruning shears; cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf; remove lower leaves below the waterline; place immediately in cool water with flower food; Matsumoto Red has exceptional vase life, lasting 14-21 days in a vase with proper care
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Matsumoto Red is named after Matsumoto, Japan, and was developed by Japanese rose breeders who are world-renowned for creating exceptional hybrid tea roses with superior characteristics.
- 🌱 This variety is a favorite of professional florists worldwide and is regularly featured in high-end floral arrangements because of its dramatically colored, long-lasting blooms—a single stem can last up to 3 weeks in a vase with proper care.
- 🌱 The deep crimson color of Matsumoto Red is achieved through selective breeding; traditional roses were limited in their color intensity, but modern hybrid tea roses like this demonstrate how horticulture has dramatically expanded the palette of available colors.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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