Mrs. Dudley Cross Rose 

Profile, History & Texas Garden Performance

The Mrs. Dudley Cross rose is a cherished heirloom tea rose known for its refined blooms, gentle fragrance, and historical roots in the American South. Introduced in 1907 by the Dingee & Conard Company, this rose is named after the wife of a prominent Texan and has long been appreciated in Southern gardens for its elegance, resilience, and consistent performance in warm climates.

Mrs. Dudley Cross was introduced in 1907.  This gigantic shrub rose blooms in multiple colors, soft hues of cream, fading into yellow, with rose hues and entire rose blossoms.  This is an incredible rose which withstands the extreme Texas heat!

You are thinking, she must have gotten her images confused.  This cannot be the same rose bush, but it is — I need a full image and will get that soon.

General Characteristics

• Type: Tea Rose

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright to slightly arching shrub; often grows 4–5 feet tall and wide

• Blooms: Fully double, cupped flowers that start soft yellow and mature to blush pink or creamy white, often showing both tones simultaneously

• Fragrance: Light to moderate tea fragrance

• Bloom Time: Repeat bloomer; flowers abundantly spring through fall

• Foliage: Glossy, light green leaves; relatively resistant to disease in warm, dry climates

Historical Significance

• Mrs. Dudley Cross was introduced during the golden age of hybrid tea and tea roses, specifically bred for the Southern U.S. climate.

• The rose was a favorite in early 20th-century Texas and Louisiana gardens and remains a popular heritage plant in historic landscapes.

• It was especially prized in older Southern homes for its elegance and ability to thrive with little care—earning its place among roses planted by grandmothers and passed down through generations.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial afternoon shade

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable

• Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture but tolerates brief droughts

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10; performs well throughout most of Texas

• Maintenance: Minimal pruning required; responds well to shaping and deadheading

Texas A&M Recognition

While Mrs. Dudley Cross is not listed as a Texas Superstar, it is widely respected and recommended by Texas rose enthusiasts, historical garden societies, and members of the Texas Rose Rustlers, a group known for preserving antique and old garden roses that thrive without chemicals or intensive care.

This rose has proven itself in Texas gardens for over a century thanks to:

• Exceptional heat tolerance

• Consistent blooming without fussy care

• Resistance to blackspot and mildew in warm, dry areas

• Long lifespan, with specimens often thriving for decades

Landscape Use

• Cottage gardens and historic landscapes

• Accent planting in perennial borders or along pathways

• Large containers or raised beds

• Southern-style or heirloom rose collections

• Mixed rose beds with other tea or china roses

Summary

Mrs. Dudley Cross is a testament to the charm and hardiness of antique Southern roses. With its glowing, ever-changing blooms, low maintenance needs, and rich horticultural history, it remains a beloved selection for gardeners who appreciate time-tested beauty and grace. Whether planted as a nod to family heritage or simply for its exceptional performance in the Texas climate, this rose is a gentle classic that endures.