Chireno Shrub Rose
Another very good Texas Rose. Hybridized by Ponton and introduced in 2005. Grows four to six feet.
Chiero Rose – Profile, History, Awards & Texas Garden Performance
The Chiero Rose (also sometimes listed as Cheerio) is a floribunda rose known for its compact form, cheerful color, and reliable performance. It was bred by the esteemed rose hybridizer Sam McGredy IV in New Zealand and introduced in the mid-20th century. This rose is a favorite among gardeners who value clusters of vivid blooms and low-maintenance care.
General Characteristics
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Type: Floribunda
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Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, rounded; typically 2.5 to 3.5 feet tall and wide
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Blooms: Medium-sized, semi-double to double blooms in brilliant scarlet or cherry red with slight orange tones
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Fragrance: Mild to light scent
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Bloom Time: Continuous or repeat blooming throughout the growing season
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Foliage: Medium green, leathery, with moderate disease resistance
Historical Background
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Bred by Sam McGredy IV, one of the most prominent rose breeders of the 20th century
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Developed to combine visual vibrancy with floribunda hardiness and abundant flowering
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Named for its bright and cheerful color—“Cheerio” being a common British expression of farewell or goodwill
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Introduced during an era when floribundas gained popularity as low-care alternatives to hybrid teas
Awards & Recognition
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All-America Rose Selection (AARS) Winner – 1969
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This prestigious U.S. award recognized Chiero for its outstanding performance, color, and vigor in diverse climates
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Frequently showcased in public rose gardens and rose trials throughout the U.S. and Europe
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Although not known for fragrance, it gained accolades for its color impact, bloom frequency, and garden value
Texas A&M Recognition
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The Chiero Rose is not listed as a Texas Superstar or Earth-Kind® rose, but is widely grown in Texas due to its heat tolerance and compact habit, which fits well into urban gardens, borders, and containers
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Performs best in full sun, with well-drained soil and routine watering
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Tolerates hot Texas summers, though some shade in the afternoon can help preserve bloom quality
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Excellent choice for North and Central Texas, especially where disease pressure is moderate
Landscape Use
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Perfect for mass plantings, borders, and foundation plantings
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Popular in cottage gardens and mixed perennial beds due to its manageable size
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Makes a charming addition to container gardens and public spaces
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Good for cutting gardens, though shorter stems than hybrid teas
Summary
The Chiero Rose is a joyful floribunda that earns its place in the garden with brilliant color and a tidy, floriferous habit. Its AARS award-winning status and ease of care make it a wise choice for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.
While it lacks the fragrance of more traditional varieties, it delivers consistent beauty, heat tolerance, and impressive bloom cycles that shine in Texas gardens. A solid, cheerful performer for landscapes that demand color with minimal fuss.
