Texas Roses – McClinton Tea

This antique rose is considered to be from Natchitoches, Louisiana, which is across the river from Nacogdoches, Texas. It has a strong rose fragrance and can grow to six feet tall. The McClinton Tea Rose, developed in Texas and often highlighted for its performance in warm southern climates, is a classic, old-fashioned tea rose known for its fragrance, soft pink blooms, and strong heat tolerance.

McClinton Tea Rose is a fragrant, old-fashioned tea rose with soft pink petals and strong performance in warm southern climates. While developed in Texas, it can grow well in other regions with mild winters—ideally in USDA Zones 8 to 10. In cooler areas (Zones 6–7), it may survive with winter protection and a sheltered microclimate, but thrives best where heat and sun are reliable. Its classic form and long stems make it especially beautiful in both garden beds and cut arrangements.

This rose reblooms generously throughout the season, producing multiple flushes from late spring into fall. Deadheading spent blooms helps encourage quicker and fuller rebloom, though the plant remains relatively low-maintenance. Like many true tea roses, it benefits from consistent care but rewards even casual attention with charm, fragrance, and soft color through the hottest months.

The McClinton Tea Rose is a cherished heirloom variety, notable for its rich history, captivating fragrance, and adaptability to Southern climates. Discovered in Louisiana, this rose has garnered appreciation among antique rose enthusiasts for its enduring beauty and resilience.

Developed in Texas

Will McClinton Tea Rose Grow Outside of Texas?

Yes, it can grow in regions beyond Texas—but it performs best in USDA Zones 8–10, where winters are mild and summers are long. Because it’s a true tea rose, it’s less cold-hardy than hybrid teas or Earth-Kind roses, and it may struggle in zones colder than 7b without significant winter protection.

In Gulf Coast, Southeast, and parts of California, it thrives.
In cooler zones (6–7a): success depends on sheltered microclimates and winter mulching.

Does It Rebloom?

Yes. McClinton Tea Rose reblooms steadily throughout the growing season, especially in climates with a long, warm season. You may get several flushes from late spring through fall, particularly if it’s kept well-watered and fed.

Does It Benefit from Deadheading?

Yes. Like most repeat-blooming tea roses, deadheading encourages more frequent and fuller bloom cycles.
Remove spent blooms down to the first 5-leaflet stem to encourage rebloom. While it will continue blooming even if you forget occasionally, regular deadheading results in larger blooms and more abundant flushes.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name: Rosa ‘McClinton Tea’
Common Names: McClinton Tea, Almerta Orchard Pink
Class: Tea Rose (Found variety)
Origin: Discovered by Dr. William Welch in Natchitoches, Louisiana, before 1990; possibly of Australian origin under the synonym ‘Almerta Orchard Pink’
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9
Growth Habit: Medium-sized shrub, typically 6–8 feet tall; spreading habit

Flower Characteristics

Color: Bright pink with a darker pink reverse, adding depth to the blooms
Bloom Size: Approximately 3 inches in diameter
Petal Count: 20 to 45 petals; semi-double to fully double blooms
Fragrance: Strong, classic Tea rose scent
Blooming Season: Blooms in flushes throughout the growing season

Foliage and Growth

Leaves: Glossy, medium green foliage
Thorns: Armed with prickles
Growth Rate: Vigorous and spreading
Maintenance: Minimal pruning recommended; heavy pruning is discouraged as it may reduce blooming HelpMeFind

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods
Fertilization: Balanced rose fertilizer applied during the growing season

Disease Resistance

While specific disease resistance information is limited, Tea roses are generally known for their resilience in warm climates. Proper spacing and air circulation can help prevent common rose diseases.

Landscape Uses

Ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and as a standalone specimen
Suitable for cutting gardens due to its fragrant blooms
Can be grown in large containers

Historical Context

The McClinton Tea Rose was discovered by Dr. William Welch in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and is believed to be the same as the Australian found rose ‘Almerta Orchard Pink’. Its enduring presence in Southern gardens highlights its adaptability and charm.

Recognition

As of the latest available information, the McClinton Tea Rose has not been designated as an Earth-Kind® rose by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Additionally, it has not received the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award. However, its popularity among antique rose enthusiasts and inclusion in specialty nurseries underscore its valued status in heritage rose collections.

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