Rosa John F. Kennedy

This ever-popular hybrid tea rose fills the sunny garden with shimmering double flowers that arise in flushes throughout the season. Each blossom opens from a long, elegant bud with an unusual greenish cast, slowly unfurling into a huge 5- to 6-inch flower comprised of 40 to 50 petals. And the strong licorice scent they release into the air will make them welcome everywhere, from garden to patio containers to vases and bouquets.

Undaunted by hot summers, this unforgettable rose blends effortlessly with every hue, adding refreshing cool tones and rich fragrance to any setting. The plant itself is attractive even when out of bloom. Reaching a mature size of 3 to 5 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide, it adorns itself in lovely medium green, leathery leaves.

It should be pruned in the spring, to half height or 18-20 inches above the ground, with the removal of old canes and dead wood. Cut back canes that cross each other. Gardeners in warmer climates will want to cut the remaining canes by one-third, while those in colder climates will probably need to trim it a bit more.