Mister Lincoln Rose | Fragrant Deep Red Hybrid Tea | Rosa ‘Mister Lincoln’

Mister Lincoln Rose is a classic Hybrid Tea Rose renowned for its large, deep velvet-red blooms, elegant high-centred flower form and powerful traditional rose fragrance. Its richly coloured flowers are carried mainly on long, straight stems, making this vigorous upright rose an excellent choice for cutting, floral arrangements and garden display.

This repeat-flowering bush produces successive flushes from spring through autumn. Its tall growth habit makes it particularly suitable for rose beds, fragrant gardens, mixed borders, feature planting and the rear of formal rose displays.

Mister Lincoln performs across a broad range of Australian climates when grown in full sun, freely draining soil and a position with good airflow. It can be grown in subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean-style and inland gardens, although humid climates may require additional fungal disease management.

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose.

Plant Size Note

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose.

The rose is supplied without a pot and will normally be dormant or semi-dormant when dispatched. It may arrive with pruned, leafless canes and exposed roots enclosed in protective packaging.

Depending on the climate and time of dispatch, the rose may have no foliage, swelling buds or a small amount of new seasonal growth.

This dormant appearance is normal and does not indicate that the plant is dead.

The roots and canes may be trimmed before packing for safe transport and healthy establishment.

Although the plant is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size. It will require planting, establishment and new seasonal growth before developing the mature bush and flower display shown in example images.

Features

• Large, deep velvet-red flowers
• Classic high-centred Hybrid Tea bloom form
• Approximately 30–35 petals per flower
• Powerful traditional rose fragrance
• Long, straight stems suited to cutting
• Good vase and floral display qualities
• Tall, vigorous and upright growth
• Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
• Dark green, leathery foliage
• Suitable for garden beds and large containers
• Performs across a wide range of Australian climates
• All-America Rose Selections winner in 1965
• James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Award winner in 2003
• Supplied as a two-year-old bagged bare-rooted rose

Flower Colour

Mister Lincoln produces large flowers in rich shades of deep red, dark crimson and velvet red.

The blooms generally retain a strong, saturated colour, although the exact shade may vary with:

• Temperature
• Sunlight
• Flower age
• Seasonal conditions
• Local climate
• Plant nutrition

Flowers produced during cooler weather may appear darker and more velvety. Extreme summer heat may cause flowers to open more quickly and shorten their garden life.

Flower Form and Fragrance

Mister Lincoln produces large, double flowers with a classic Hybrid Tea shape.

The pointed buds open into high-centred blooms before becoming more cupped as the petals expand. Individual flowers generally contain approximately 30–35 petals and may reach around 10–14 centimetres across under suitable growing conditions.

Blooms are commonly carried singly on long, upright stems, making them particularly useful for:

• Vases
• Bouquets
• Floral arrangements
• Rose exhibitions
• Indoor fragrance displays

Mister Lincoln is exceptionally fragrant. Its perfume is commonly described as rich, sweet and strongly damask-scented, with the classic fragrance associated with traditional red roses.

Fragrance strength may vary according to temperature, humidity, flower maturity and time of day.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

Mister Lincoln develops into a tall, vigorous and upright bush rose.

Under typical Australian garden conditions, it can reach approximately:

Mature Height: Around 1.5 metres
Mature Width: Around 1 metre

In favourable climates with rich soil, regular water and a long growing season, established plants may grow closer to 1.8 metres or occasionally taller.

The final size will depend on:

• Climate
• Rootstock
• Soil fertility
• Water availability
• Pruning
• Sunlight
• Length of the growing season

Its tall habit makes it useful toward the middle or rear of a rose bed. Allow sufficient room around the plant for airflow, pruning and flower cutting.

This product is the Hybrid Tea bush form, not the separate climbing Mister Lincoln Rose.

Plant Characteristics

Mister Lincoln is a grafted bush rose with woody, thorn-bearing canes and dark green, leathery compound foliage.

The plant produces strong upright stems capable of supporting its large flowers. The combination of long stems, classical bloom form and strong fragrance has made it a longstanding favourite for cutting.

Its main ornamental qualities include:

• Deep red flower colour
• Large, well-formed blooms
• Strong damask fragrance
• Tall upright growth
• Long cutting stems
• Repeat flowering
• Classic rose-garden appearance

Like most Hybrid Tea Roses, Mister Lincoln benefits from regular watering, fertilising, pruning, deadheading and pest and disease monitoring.

Plant Class and Life Cycle

Mister Lincoln is a Hybrid Tea bush rose from the Rosaceae family.

It is a woody, long-lived perennial.

The rose is normally deciduous in cool and temperate Australian climates, losing its leaves and entering dormancy during winter.

In subtropical and mild coastal climates, it may retain some foliage or experience a shorter period of reduced growth rather than becoming completely dormant.

The bagged bare-rooted plant is supplied during its natural dormant or reduced-growth stage.

Planting a Bagged Bare-Root Rose

Open the packaging promptly after delivery and do not allow the roots to dry out.

Remove the rose from the bag and gently clear loose packing material from around the roots.

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire rose submerged or soak the roots for an excessive period.

Choose a sunny position with freely draining soil and good airflow.

Dig a planting hole wide enough for the roots to spread naturally without being tightly bent, twisted or compressed.

Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the planting hole and arrange the roots evenly over it.

In most mild Australian climates, position the graft or bud union approximately level with or slightly above the finished soil surface.

Backfill carefully, gently firming the soil around the roots to remove large air pockets.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Do not place concentrated fertiliser or fresh manure directly against the bare roots.

Apply mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the graft and main canes.

Preferred Soil Type

Mister Lincoln grows best in fertile, organic-rich soil that retains some moisture while draining freely.

Suitable soil types include:

• Improved loam
• Sandy loam enriched with compost
• Well-structured clay
• Raised garden beds
• Premium rose potting mix

A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally preferred.

Improve sandy soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter to increase nutrient and moisture retention.

Heavy clay should be improved before planting. Raised planting may be required where drainage is poor.

Avoid permanently wet, compacted or waterlogged soil.

Where another rose has recently failed, replace or substantially improve the surrounding soil before planting.

Sunlight

Plant Mister Lincoln in full sun.

A position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day will generally support:

• Strong flowering
• Healthy foliage
• Firm, upright stems
• Better flower colour
• Faster drying of wet leaves

Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial because it helps dry dew and moisture from the foliage.

Mister Lincoln may tolerate light part shade, but reduced sunlight can result in:

• Fewer flowers
• Longer, weaker stems
• Reduced fragrance
• Increased fungal disease pressure

Deep shade is unsuitable.

In extremely hot inland areas, limited protection from severe late-afternoon heat may help prolong flower life, provided the plant still receives sufficient direct sunlight.

Watering Needs

Water deeply and regularly while the bare-root rose establishes.

A newly planted rose has a limited active root system and should not be allowed to dry out during its first growing season.

Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry rather than applying frequent shallow watering.

Watering frequency will vary according to:

• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Soil type
• Wind exposure
• Plant size
• Container or garden cultivation

Additional watering may be required during:

• Hot Australian summers
• Prolonged dry weather
• Active flower production
• The first growing season
• Extended periods without useful rainfall

Apply water around the root zone rather than routinely wetting the flowers and foliage.

Morning watering is preferred so accidental moisture on the leaves can dry during the day.

Avoid permanently saturated soil, as poor drainage can damage the roots and encourage disease.

Flowering Season

Mister Lincoln is a repeat-flowering rose.

It generally produces successive flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

In mild subtropical and coastal climates, flowering may begin earlier and continue later than in cool-temperate areas.

Flowering may temporarily slow during:

• Extreme summer heat
• Prolonged drought
• Cold winter weather
• Severe pest or disease pressure
• Periods immediately after substantial pruning

Removing spent flowers encourages new flowering stems.

A newly planted bare-root rose may flower during its first growing season, but flower number, stem strength and bloom size generally improve as the plant establishes.

Flowering within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Australian Climate and Hardiness

Mister Lincoln can be grown across a broad range of Australian climates, including:

• Subtropical climates
• Warm-temperate climates
• Cool-temperate climates
• Mediterranean-style climates
• Semi-arid and inland gardens with irrigation
• Mild coastal districts
• Frost-prone areas with winter dormancy

It performs best in a sunny, open position with fertile soil, reliable moisture and good airflow.

Subtropical Gardens

Mister Lincoln can grow well in subtropical gardens, including the Northern Rivers of NSW and south-east Queensland.

Warm conditions can support vigorous growth and a long flowering season.

However, high humidity and extended wet weather may increase the risk of:

• Black spot
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Cane dieback
• Flower damage

Plant in full sun, provide generous spacing and avoid crowding the rose between dense shrubs.

Water around the root zone and remove fallen diseased foliage.

Mild Tropical Gardens

Mister Lincoln may be grown in mild tropical or elevated tropical gardens where there is some seasonal cooling, good airflow and protection from prolonged wet conditions.

Persistently hot, humid lowland climates may make Hybrid Tea Roses more difficult to maintain.

Regular disease monitoring, soil drainage and careful watering will be particularly important.

Temperate and Cool-Temperate Gardens

Mister Lincoln is well suited to temperate and cool-temperate rose-growing regions.

Winter dormancy allows the plant to be pruned before producing strong new spring growth.

Protect newly emerging shoots from unusually severe late frost where required.

Inland, Arid and Semi-Arid Gardens

Mister Lincoln can perform well in inland and semi-arid gardens when reliable irrigation is available.

Dry air may reduce some fungal disease pressure, but plants will require protection from:

• Extreme heat
• Hot drying winds
• Rapid soil moisture loss
• Reflected heat from walls and paving

Deep watering and mulch are important.

Frost Tolerance

Established dormant roses tolerate normal winter frost.

Fresh shoots, flower buds and open blooms may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Recently planted bare-root roses should be protected from unusually harsh conditions until established.

Heat Tolerance

Mister Lincoln can tolerate warm Australian summers when supplied with adequate moisture.

Extreme heat may:

• Shorten flower life
• Cause blooms to open rapidly
• Scorch petal edges
• Reduce flower size
• Temporarily slow flowering
• Increase watering requirements

Apply mulch and water deeply during prolonged hot weather.

Humidity Tolerance

Mister Lincoln can grow in humid climates but may require additional fungal disease management.

Full sun, good airflow, clean garden hygiene and watering at soil level will help reduce disease pressure.

Coastal Tolerance

Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from severe ocean winds and direct salt spray.

Persistent salt exposure may damage the foliage, buds and flowers.

Drought Tolerance

Established roses can tolerate short dry periods, but Mister Lincoln grows and flowers best with consistent soil moisture.

Prolonged drought may reduce flowering, cause leaf drop and increase plant stress.

It should not be treated as a no-water plant.

Suitable Spaces and Landscape Uses

Mister Lincoln Rose is suitable for:

• Dedicated rose gardens
• Fragrant gardens
• Red-themed gardens
• Cut-flower gardens
• Formal rose beds
• Mixed borders
• Feature planting
• Front gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Memorial gardens
• Paths and entrances
• Patio surrounds
• Large containers
• Temperate gardens
• Subtropical rose gardens

Plant near paths, patios or outdoor seating areas where its strong fragrance can be appreciated.

Its tall growth makes it suitable toward the rear of a rose bed or behind shorter Floribunda and ground-cover roses.

Avoid planting directly against solid walls or dense hedges where airflow will be restricted.

Growing in Pots

Mister Lincoln can be grown in a large container.

Choose a stable pot with substantial drainage holes and enough depth for a strong rose root system.

Use a premium potting mix formulated for roses or flowering shrubs. Ordinary garden soil should not be used in containers because it may compact and drain poorly.

Container-grown roses require:

• More frequent watering
• Regular fertilising
• Consistent deadheading
• Annual renewal of the upper potting mix
• Monitoring for root congestion
• Protection from overheated containers
• Periodic repotting or root management

Do not allow the container to stand continuously in water.

Position the pot where the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and good airflow.

Because Mister Lincoln is a tall cultivar, choose a heavy, stable container that is unlikely to tip in strong winds.

Pruning

Mister Lincoln benefits from annual pruning to encourage strong new flowering stems and maintain a balanced, open framework.

Winter Pruning

In temperate and cool climates, complete the main prune during winter while the rose is dormant.

Remove:

• Dead or damaged canes
• Diseased wood
• Thin or weak growth
• Crossing stems
• Inward-growing branches
• Old, unproductive canes
• Suckers arising below the graft

Shorten the remaining healthy canes to outward-facing buds.

Mister Lincoln is naturally tall, so pruning can be adjusted according to the desired finished height.

In frost-prone districts, avoid pruning so early that tender new shoots emerge before the final severe frost.

Subtropical Pruning

In mild subtropical climates, prune during the cooler and generally drier part of the year.

The plant may not become completely dormant in warm areas.

Avoid severe pruning immediately before prolonged wet weather or extreme heat.

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new flowering stems.

Cut back to a healthy outward-facing leaf or bud rather than removing only the flower head.

Use clean, sharp secateurs and wear gloves when handling thorn-bearing canes.

Fertilising

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against the roots of a newly planted bare-root rose.

Allow the plant to establish and begin producing healthy new foliage before starting a regular feeding program.

Once established, apply a fertiliser formulated for roses according to the product directions.

Useful feeding periods include:

• As new spring growth begins
• After major flowering flushes
• During the active growing season
• After pruning once healthy new growth has formed

Compost and well-decomposed organic matter can improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

Water before and after applying granular fertiliser.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may encourage soft foliage growth at the expense of flowers and increase susceptibility to pests and disease.

Reduce or stop feeding as the plant approaches winter dormancy in cooler climates.

Pests and Disease Management

Mister Lincoln should be monitored for common rose pests and diseases.

Potential problems include:

• Black spot
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Aphids
• Thrips
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Cane dieback

Warm, wet and humid conditions can increase fungal disease pressure.

To support healthy growth:

• Plant in full sun
• Maintain good airflow
• Water around the root zone
• Remove fallen diseased foliage
• Avoid overcrowding
• Maintain balanced nutrition
• Inspect buds and new shoots regularly
• Use clean pruning equipment

Thrips may mark or distort developing petals, particularly during warm, dry weather.

No Hybrid Tea Rose is completely resistant to all pests and diseases. The level of management required will vary with climate and local growing conditions.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

The flowers may be visited by bees and other insects.

Because Mister Lincoln has large, densely petalled blooms, its pollen-bearing centre may be less accessible than that of a single-flowered rose.

It should not be relied upon as a primary pollinator plant.

Combine it with single-flowered native and exotic plants to provide more accessible nectar and pollen.

Mister Lincoln is not generally regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant.

Pet Safety

Roses are generally classified as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

However, Mister Lincoln should not be considered completely hazard-free.

Its thorns may cause:

• Puncture wounds
• Scratches
• Mouth injuries
• Eye damage

Eating a large quantity of plant material may also cause mild digestive upset.

Rose fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides and other garden treatments may be harmful to pets.

Keep animals away from recently treated plants and store all garden chemicals securely.

Seek veterinary advice if a pet is injured by thorns or develops symptoms after chewing treated plant material.

Product Details

Plant Name: Mister Lincoln Hybrid Tea Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Mister Lincoln’
Common Names: Mister Lincoln Rose, Mr Lincoln Rose, Deep Red Hybrid Tea Rose
Rose Class: Hybrid Tea Rose
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Breeders: Herbert Swim and O. L. Weeks
Year Introduced: 1965
Parentage: ‘Chrysler Imperial’ × ‘Charles Mallerin’
Plant Life Cycle: Woody perennial
Seasonal Habit: Deciduous in cooler climates; may be semi-deciduous in mild climates
Plant Material: Two-year-old bagged bare-rooted grafted bush rose
Flower Colour: Deep velvet red to dark crimson
Flower Form: Large, double and high-centred, becoming cupped as it opens
Petal Count: Approximately 30–35 petals
Approximate Flower Size: Around 10–14 centimetres under suitable conditions
Fragrance: Very strong, rich damask rose fragrance
Foliage: Dark green, leathery compound foliage
Growth Habit: Tall, vigorous and upright
Mature Height: Approximately 1.5 metres; may grow taller in favourable conditions
Mature Width: Approximately 1 metre
Flowering Season: Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
Sunlight: Full sun, preferably at least six hours daily
Preferred Soil: Fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil
Watering Needs: Regular during establishment; deep watering during active growth and dry weather
Australian Climate: Subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean-style and irrigated inland climates
Frost Tolerance: Established dormant plants tolerate winter frost; fresh growth and flowers may be damaged
Heat Tolerance: Good with adequate soil moisture
Humidity Tolerance: Suitable with strong airflow and active fungal disease management
Coastal Tolerance: Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from direct salt spray
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Pet Safety: Roses are non-toxic to dogs and cats, but thorns and applied garden chemicals present hazards
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers may be visited by insects, although dense petals limit access
Bird Attracting: Not regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant
Suitable Spaces: Rose gardens, fragrant gardens, cutting gardens, borders, feature planting and large pots
Pot Suitability: Suitable for a large, stable and freely draining container
Pruning: Annual winter pruning with regular deadheading
Pollination Requirement: No second rose is required for flowering
Awards: All-America Rose Selections, 1965; James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Award, 2003
Shipping Restrictions: State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply

Important Note

Images show mature, established plants in flower and are provided as examples only.

You will receive a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose, not a leafy or flowering potted plant.

Bare-rooted roses are normally supplied dormant or semi-dormant and may resemble a group of pruned, leafless canes with exposed roots.

The roots and canes may have been trimmed before packing. Variation in cane length, cane number, bud development and seasonal appearance is normal.

Although the rose is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size.

The plant will require planting, establishment and new seasonal growth before developing its full foliage and flower display.

Flower colour, bloom size, fragrance, plant height and flowering performance will vary according to climate, temperature, sunlight, soil, water, fertilising and plant maturity.

Growth and flowering within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

This product is the Hybrid Tea bush form and not the separate climbing Mister Lincoln Rose.

Biosecurity and Shipping

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bagged bare-rooted roses and other live plant material.

Please check whether this rose can be sent to your delivery address before ordering.

Some destinations may require additional inspection, treatment, certification or removal of packing materials.

Orders placed for restricted destinations may need to be cancelled and refunded.

Biosecurity requirements may change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I receive?

You will receive one approximately two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted Mister Lincoln Hybrid Tea bush rose.

Will the rose arrive in a pot?

No. It is supplied bagged and bare-rooted without a pot.

Why does the rose have no leaves?

Bare-rooted roses are normally supplied while dormant or during reduced winter growth. Bare canes and little or no foliage are expected.

Is the plant fully mature because it is two years old?

No. The rose is approximately two years old but has been lifted and prepared for bare-root supply. It requires time to re-establish and reach its mature garden size.

How soon should I plant it?

Plant the rose as soon as practical after delivery. Keep the roots cool and moist until planting.

Should I soak the roots before planting?

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire rose submerged for an extended period.

Should I fertilise at planting time?

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against bare roots. Begin feeding after the plant has established and produced healthy new growth.

Will Mister Lincoln arrive in flower?

No. Bagged bare-rooted roses are normally supplied dormant and are not expected to be flowering when dispatched.

When will it begin flowering?

A healthy plant may flower during its first growing season after planting. Timing depends on climate, planting date, establishment and care.

What colour are Mister Lincoln flowers?

The flowers are deep velvet red to dark crimson.

How fragrant is Mister Lincoln?

Mister Lincoln is very strongly fragrant, with a rich traditional damask rose perfume.

Are the flowers suitable for cutting?

Yes. Its long stems, large flowers, strong perfume and classic bloom form make it an excellent cut-flower rose.

How large are the flowers?

Established plants may produce blooms approximately 10–14 centimetres across under favourable conditions.

How tall does Mister Lincoln grow?

It generally reaches around 1.5 metres high and approximately 1 metre wide. It may grow taller in fertile soil and warm climates.

Is this the climbing Mister Lincoln Rose?

No. This listing is for the upright Hybrid Tea bush form.

Is Mister Lincoln evergreen?

No. It is generally deciduous in cooler climates. It may retain some foliage during winter in mild subtropical areas.

When does Mister Lincoln flower?

It produces repeated flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

Does it need full sun?

Yes. At least six hours of direct sunlight each day is recommended.

Can it grow in part shade?

It may tolerate light part shade, but flowering, fragrance and plant health are generally better in full sun.

What soil does it prefer?

It prefers fertile, organic-rich soil that drains freely.

How often should it be watered?

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry.

Is Mister Lincoln drought tolerant?

It has moderate drought tolerance once established but flowers best with consistent moisture.

Is it frost tolerant?

Dormant established roses tolerate normal winter frost. Fresh shoots, buds and flowers may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Is Mister Lincoln heat tolerant?

It tolerates warm summers when supplied with adequate water. Extreme heat may shorten flower life and increase watering requirements.

Is it suitable for subtropical Australian gardens?

Yes. Full sun, good airflow and regular fungal disease monitoring are important in humid subtropical conditions.

Can it grow in cooler Australian climates?

Yes. Mister Lincoln performs well in temperate and cool-temperate rose-growing areas.

Can it grow in arid or inland regions?

Yes, where reliable deep watering, mulch and protection from severe reflected heat are provided.

Can it grow near the coast?

Yes, in a protected coastal position away from severe wind and direct salt spray.

Can Mister Lincoln grow in a pot?

Yes. Use a large, stable container with premium rose potting mix and generous drainage.

Does it require pruning?

Yes. Annual pruning supports strong flowering stems and helps maintain an open, healthy bush.

Should spent flowers be removed?

Yes. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering.

Does Mister Lincoln require another rose for pollination?

No. A second rose is not required for flowering.

Does it attract bees?

Bees and other insects may visit the flowers, although the densely layered petals make the flower centre less accessible.

Is Mister Lincoln pet-safe?

Roses are non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, thorns can cause injuries and garden chemicals applied to roses may be harmful.

Are there biosecurity restrictions?

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bagged bare-rooted roses.