How to Grow Touch of Class Rose
Touch of Class Rose
Rosa 'Touch of Class'
flowerTouch of Class is a hybrid tea rose known for its stunning orange-red blooms with a cream-colored reverse, creating a striking two-tone effect. This award-winning cultivar produces large, full flowers on long stems ideal for cutting and displays. It is moderately vigorous with glossy green foliage and excellent disease resistance.
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Example Touch of Class Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Touch of Class 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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First Touch of Class Rose blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Touch of Class Rose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9b, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose develops root system and establishes growth. Foliage emerges gradually and may appear sparse initially.
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Apply mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing in first month. Monitor for transplant stress.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops canes, branches, and glossy green foliage. Vigorous upright growth with multiple shoots emerging from base and existing canes.
Begin regular feeding with balanced rose fertilizer. Prune out any weak or crossing canes. Remove any flowers that appear to conserve energy.
Budding
2-3 weeksRose hips form at stem terminals. Distinctive buds develop and gradually enlarge, showing the characteristic orange-red coloring with cream reverse.
Continue regular fertilizing every 4-6 weeks. Maintain consistent moisture. Provide support stakes if needed for heavy buds. Scout for pests and diseases.
Flowering
1-2 weeks per bloom (continuous from late spring to frost)Large, full hybrid tea blooms open slowly, revealing the striking orange-red and cream bicolor. Flowers are typically 4-5 inches wide and fragrant. Peak bloom color appears after several days of opening.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Cut flowers in early morning when stems are full of water. Continue fertilizing during bloom season.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
8-12 weeksIn late fall, blooming slows as temperatures drop. Foliage may yellow and drop in colder zones. Plant prepares for winter dormancy.
Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before first frost to harden plant. Reduce watering gradually. In zones below 7, apply winter protection mound. Prune in early spring after last frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with water to dislodge, use miticide if severe, ensure good air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, release ladybugs, apply neem oil
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No cure; remove and destroy affected plants. Control vector (rose rosette mite) with miticide if virus appears in area
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or baking soda spray, use fungicide if severe
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Remove infected leaves, improve drainage and air circulation, mulch to prevent splash, apply fungicide, clean tools between cuts
Uses
Rose Petal Culinary Garnish
CulinaryFood-safe, pesticide-free petals can be used as decorative garnishes for desserts, salads, and beverages. The flowers add visual appeal and subtle floral notes to gourmet dishes. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftTouch of Class is prized by florists for its stunning two-tone coloring, large bloom size, and long vase life, making it ideal for wedding arrangements, centerpieces, and formal bouquets. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftBlooms can be dried and pressed for use in crafts, potpourri, and decorative arrangements. The distinctive coloring is largely preserved during the drying process. [source]
Fragrance & Perfumery
HouseholdTouch of Class roses produce a pleasant fragrance suitable for homemade rose water, infusions, and fragrant potpourri, adding pleasant scent to home interiors. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeRoses attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and garden biodiversity. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut blooms in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. Use sharp pruners and cut at a 45-degree angle above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf. Remove at least 12 inches of stem to encourage bushier growth. Place immediately in water with floral food. Touch of Class is excellent for cutting; stems typically last 7-10 days in a vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Touch of Class won the AARS (All-America Rose Selections) award in 1986, recognizing it as an exceptional rose variety for American gardens.
- 🌱 The distinctive orange-red and cream bicolor effect is particularly striking in cool weather, with the contrast becoming more pronounced as temperatures drop in fall.
- 🌱 This cultivar is known for excellent disease resistance compared to many other hybrid tea roses, making it more forgiving for beginning rose gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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