Veteran’s Honor Rose

When you think of flowers that honor veterans you probably picture the red poppy featured in the poem “In Flanders Fields.” But other plants, including the Veteran’s Day rose have been introduced to honor our veterans.

This hybrid tea rose has bright red flowers with a light fruity fragrance. It blooms early in the season and sporadically until frost.

Veteran’s Honor rose is hardy in zones 5 to 9 and grows 5 feet tall. Grow this hybrid tea like others in full sun with moist well-drained soils. Leave plenty of space for air circulation that encourages vigorous growth and discourages disease problems. Proper siting and care will help minimize insect and disease problems common to hybrid tea roses.

Use this as a specimen plant, informal hedge, in a memorial garden or near your house. Place it in an area where you can enjoy the flowers and the butterflies that come to visit.

A bit more information: The Flanders, or corn poppy, is a close relative of the popular oriental. Listen to my audio tip, The Memorial Day Poppy.