Olympiad – A Texas Hybrid Tea Rose

The closest you will come to a perfect hybrid tea red rose in Texas is Olympiad.  This beautiful deeply cupped rose is lovely in bud and full bloom stage.  It is hardy and will produce blooms in the hot summer.  I had this rose in a container and because it is compact it’s a good choice for containers which do stunt its growth but not its bloom.  However, I was shocked at how quickly the spiders and mites attacked it, seemingly overnight.  Keep a good eye on it.

‘Olympiad’ recognized to demonstrate exceptional performance across multiple U.S. test gardens, including resilience, bloom production, disease resistance, and overall beauty.

• All-America Rose Selections (AARS) Winner – 1984
  The ‘Olympiad’ rose was honored with the prestigious AARS award in 1984, recognizing its exceptional performance in American gardens. ​

• Portland Gold Medal – 1995
  In 1995, it received the Portland Gold Medal, further acknowledging its outstanding qualities.

Plant in a location that receives 6–8 hours of full sun daily. In hotter regions (Zones 8–9), some afternoon shade can help reduce bloom fade and leaf stress.

The ‘Olympiad’ rose is not considered compact. It is a medium-to-tall hybrid tea rose, typically growing:

• Height: 4 to 6 feet

• Width: 2 to 3 feet

This upright, vase-like growth habit makes it ideal as a focal point in a rose bed or along a border, but it’s not suited for small containers or tight urban gardens unless regularly pruned and shaped.

You can find roses that complement the Olympiad and do well in Texas here.

Care Guide: Hybrid Tea Roses in Texas

Soil
Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5). Raised beds or amended native clay with compost and expanded shale can significantly improve drainage in Texas soils.

Watering
Deep water 2–3 times per week in the absence of rain. Water at the base of the plant to avoid fungal disease—especially important in humid Texas summers.

Fertilizing
Feed monthly with a balanced rose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 12-6-6) from early spring to late summer. Stop feeding in early fall to allow the plant to harden off for winter.

Pruning
Cut back by one-third in late February or early March, just before new growth begins. Remove any dead, weak, or crossing canes to maintain airflow and shape.

Mulching
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pest & Disease Management
Monitor for black spot and powdery mildew, especially in damp areas. Use neem oil or a fungicidal spray if needed. Watch for aphids, thrips, and spider mites in spring and summer.

Q1: Is the Olympiad rose heat-tolerant enough for Texas gardens?
Yes, Olympiad does well in Texas, especially in full sun with well-drained soil. It appreciates some afternoon shade in extreme heat zones but is known for maintaining vibrant blooms even during hot summers.

Q2: How disease-resistant is the Olympiad rose in humid Texas conditions?
Olympiad has moderate disease resistance. With good air circulation and regular pruning, it generally resists mildew and black spot but benefits from preventive spraying in more humid parts of Texas.

Q3: How big does Olympiad grow, and is it suitable for small urban gardens?
This rose grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, making it better suited for mid-sized to large garden beds rather than small containers or confined spaces.

Q4: What color is the Olympiad bloom, and does it fade in heat?
The blooms are a rich, velvety red and hold their color well, even in high temperatures. It’s known for consistent bloom color and form throughout the growing season.

Q5: Is Olympiad a repeat bloomer, and how long is its bloom cycle?
Yes, it is a reliable repeat bloomer from spring through fall with proper deadheading. Each bloom lasts several days, and plants can produce multiple flushes during the season.