How to Grow Rose Ingrid Bergman

Rose Ingrid Bergman

Rosa × Ingrid Bergman

flower

Ingrid Bergman is a classic hybrid tea rose known for its deep crimson-red blooms and strong fragrance. This vigorous, upright shrub produces long-stemmed flowers ideal for cutting and has been a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements since its introduction in 1984. The rose is valued for its disease resistance and reliable blooming throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for optimal blooming)
💧
Water: Deep, regular watering of 1-1.5 inches per week. Water at soil level in early morning to reduce disease. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Blooms begin 8-12 weeks after planting; full maturity in 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Graft union 1-2 inches below soil surface (in cold zones) or at soil level (in warm zones)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

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

Sign up to see your zone highlighted.

Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Newly planted rose bush developing root system and establishing growth

Water deeply and regularly. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks. Protect from extreme weather.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant produces vigorous green shoots and foliage; stems elongate

Begin fertilizing monthly with rose-specific fertilizer. Remove any weak or crossing canes. Monitor for pests and diseases.

3

Budbreak & Flowering

3-4 weeks per flush

Flower buds form at shoot tips; buds develop color and open into full blooms

Continue monthly feeding during bloom season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Ensure adequate water during peak heat.

4

Repeat Blooming

Continuous spring through fall

Plant cycles through multiple flushes of bloom throughout the season

Maintain fertilizing schedule every 4-6 weeks. Keep deadheading flowers as they fade. Watch for summer stress and increase watering in heat.

5

Dormancy & Pruning

2-3 months in cold climates

Plant slows growth in late fall/winter; stems become woody and dormant

In late winter, prune to 18-24 inches tall, removing dead or diseased wood. Apply dormant oil spray. Reduce watering and feeding.

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray can dislodge. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

  • Increase humidity and water foliage. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Remove heavily infested foliage.

  • Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray. Remove affected leaves. Water at soil level, not overhead.

  • Remove infected leaves immediately. Apply fungicide weekly. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation with pruning.

  • Hand-pick early morning. Use beetle traps away from garden. Apply neem oil or insecticide if populations are high.

Uses

🍳

Culinary Rose Petals

Culinary

Though primarily ornamental, pesticide-free rose petals can be used to garnish desserts, salads, and beverages or made into rose water for culinary flavoring. Ensure roses are grown without synthetic pesticides if intended for consumption. [source]

🏠

Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Ingrid Bergman is prized by florists for its long, strong stems and dramatic deep red color, making it ideal for wedding bouquets, formal arrangements, and long-lasting floral displays. The fragrant blooms add elegance to any interior space. [source]

💊

Rose Hip Health Benefits

Medicinal

After flowering, rose hips (seed pods) can be harvested and dried to make tea rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, traditionally used to support immune health and reduce inflammation. Ingrid Bergman rose hips provide nutritional benefits when grown pesticide-free. [source]

🎨

Dried Flowers & Potpourri

Craft

The fragrant petals can be dried for use in potpourri, sachet pillows, or dried floral arrangements. The petals retain color and scent well when dried slowly in a dark, warm location. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

While hybrid teas are less attractive to pollinators than wild roses due to their full double petals, Ingrid Bergman still provides some nectar and pollen resources for bees and beneficial insects, especially when blooming prolifically. [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 when buds are just opening or in the pink stage for longest vase life (7-10 days). Use sharp, clean shears and cut at a 45-degree angle above a 5-leaflet leaf. Place immediately in cool water with flower food. Remove lower leaves below the waterline.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ingrid Bergman was named after the legendary Swedish-American actress and won the prestigious All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award in 1985, recognizing it as an outstanding garden rose.
  • 🌱 This rose's deep red color comes from anthocyanin pigments; the intensity of the red deepens in cooler temperatures and may fade slightly in extreme heat.
  • 🌱 Ingrid Bergman is known for its exceptional disease resistance compared to many hybrid tea roses, making it a top choice for gardeners who want fewer chemical treatments.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Sign up to get frost dates, task lists, and more for your zone.

Get started free