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How to Grow Oklahoma Scarlet

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Oklahoma Scarlet

Rosa oklahoma

flower

Oklahoma Scarlet is a stunning hybrid tea rose bred by the Oklahoma State University, known for its vibrant deep red to scarlet blooms with excellent fragrance. This award-winning rose produces large, high-centered flowers on strong, upright stems ideal for cutting and display. It is prized for both garden beauty and cut-flower production due to its disease resistance and reliable performance.

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Example Oklahoma Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Oklahoma Scarlet

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Oklahoma Scarlet blooms

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oklahoma Scarlet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum 6 hours required for best flowering)
💧
Water: Deep, consistent watering 1-2 inches per week; water at soil level in morning to reduce disease; more frequent in hot climates; maintain even moisture without waterlogging
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first blooms (established roses bloom continuously)
🌱
Planting depth: Graft union 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold zones; at or slightly above soil surface in warm zones

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coco coir Rose fertilizer (balanced NPK) Perlite or sand for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 6-9; hardy to zone 5 with winter protection

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Bare root or container rose freshly planted; developing root system with initial leaf growth

Water thoroughly after planting; apply mulch 2-3 inches around base (keep away from canes); avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks; prune lightly to shape

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops vigorous canes with deep green foliage; strong upright growth habit; no flowers yet

Begin balanced fertilizing every 4-6 weeks; remove any diseased or weak growth; ensure consistent moisture; pinch back new growth if very leggy

3

Budding

3-4 weeks

Prominent flower buds form at cane tips; buds develop size and color intensity with deep red coloring visible

Maintain even watering and fertilizing schedule; provide high-phosphorus rose fertilizer to promote bud development; monitor for aphids and spider mites

4

Flowering

Continuous through growing season (spring to fall frost)

Large, fragrant scarlet-red blooms open with classic hybrid tea form; blooms last 5-10 days on plant, 10-14+ days if cut

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; continue regular fertilizing; maintain moisture; mist foliage in dry climates to prevent spider mites

5

Fall Dormancy & Winter

3-4 months

Flowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage may change color; plant enters dormancy in cold zones

Reduce fertilizing in late summer (August/September); allow hip formation to signal plant to dormancy; in zones 5-6, mulch heavily (8-12 inches) around base after first hard freeze; prune in early spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint Salvia Boxwood Ornamental grasses Clematis Climbing hydrangea Bearded iris Alliums

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Walnut trees Hedge plants that compete for water Plants prone to same diseases (like powdery mildew lovers in humid areas)

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water spray; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs; prune heavily affected growth

  • Increase humidity by misting; spray with miticide or horticultural oil; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves

  • No cure; remove and destroy infected plants; control mite vectors with sulfur sprays; plant resistant varieties nearby

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from roses; apply neem oil; spray with pyrethrin in severe cases

  • Remove infected leaves immediately; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; apply fungicide (sulfur or copper-based); mulch to prevent soil splash

  • Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove heavily infected growth; choose resistant varieties

Uses

🍳

Rose Water & Petal Infusions

Culinary

Deep red petals from pesticide-free roses can be used to create rose water, floral syrups, and edible garnishes for gourmet desserts and beverages. Oklahoma Scarlet's intense fragrance makes it especially suitable for culinary infusions. [source]

🏠

Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Oklahoma Scarlet is prized by florists and home gardeners for its exceptional vase life (10-14 days), high-centered blooms, and strong stems that hold upright posture. Perfect for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and floral designs. [source]

💊

Rose Hips & Herbal Tea

Medicinal

After flowering, rose hips develop and contain high vitamin C content; they can be harvested and dried for herbal tea known for immune support and anti-inflammatory properties. Oklahoma Scarlet hips provide both medicinal and ornamental interest. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. Rose gardens provide important nectar sources throughout the blooming season. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Petals & Potpourri

Craft

Scarlet petals can be dried and used in potpourri blends, sachets, and craft projects. The intense color and fragrance make Oklahoma Scarlet petals ideal for preserving in dried arrangements. [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; cut at 45-degree angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf; remove lower foliage below water line; place immediately in cool water with rose food; blooms last 10-14+ days in a vase; for garden display, deadhead spent flowers by cutting just above a 5-leaflet leaf to promote continuous blooming through the season

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Oklahoma Scarlet was hybridized and officially registered by Oklahoma State University in 1974, making it an All-American Rose Selections (AARS) award winner—one of the most prestigious recognitions for new rose varieties.
  • 🌱 The deep scarlet-red color in roses comes from anthocyanin pigments; Oklahoma Scarlet's intense coloring is particularly valued because it maintains its vibrant hue both in full sun and in cut arrangements without fading.
  • 🌱 Roses have been cultivated for over 5,000 years and are the most popular cut flower worldwide; Oklahoma Scarlet represents decades of breeding work to combine disease resistance, fragrance, form, and color in a single variety.

Gardening Terms

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

Bare Root Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch pH Pinch Back
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