Rosa Rio Samba

The sizzling hues of this 1993 All-American Rose Selections winner make it a standout, even in a crowd of colorful roses. Its large, well-formed blossoms on very long stems are a favorite among visitors to our exhibition garden, and are quite long-lasting in the vase. It begins a bright golden yellow, with each row of petal turning to scarlet as it opens. The fragrance is pretty mild, but you won't even notice, the colors of this rose are so intense! It's a truly dazzling flower to behold.

The 5-inch high-centered blooms open from attractive pointed, ovoid buds. A prolific bloomer, Rio Samba sets flowers in flushes throughout the season.

The plants are tall, upright, well-branched, and very vigorous with a lovely habit of matte, dark green foliage. It grows to a height of 5 to 6 feet and width of 3 to 4 feet, creating an impressive display no matter where it's placed.

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun and water regularly, preferably in the morning. A layer of mulch during the summer months helps to retain moisture, keep roots cool, and discourage the growth of weeds. It should be pruned in the spring, 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.