MISTER LINCOLN – deep red hybrid tea rose – Swim & Weeks
Imagine late-afternoon seaside light catching velvety deep-red blooms as you sip tea in a sheltered corner: MISTER LINCOLN brings tall, elegant structure, long-stemmed blooms and an exceptionally strong classic fragrance to even compact coastal gardens. Its reliable repeat-flowering habit rewards minimal maintenance with generous flushes of colour, while own-root resilience supports a long lifespan and steady regeneration after harsh weather. Planted where the soil drains well yet stays evenly moist, it copes confidently with blustery, showery days, giving a composed anchor in breezy UK plots. In a large 40–50 litre pot or a small flowerbed, it settles in steadily – roots in the first year, stronger shoots in the second, then full ornamental impact by the third – bringing a quietly luxurious, salt-tolerant presence to verandas and family gardens alike.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| Coastal veranda in a large container |
Suited to a generously sized 40–50 litre container, this rose forms a tall, upright accent that handles breezy, salty air when the compost drains freely yet does not dry out completely, ideal for time-pressed coastal veranda gardeners who value ease. |
| Feature rose near a seating area |
Planted close to a bench or terrace, its very strong, classic rose perfume and velvety deep-red flowers create an intimate focal point, especially on still evenings, for homeowners who want sensory impact without specialist skills and appreciate fragrance. |
| Cutting patch for home bouquets |
The long, straight stems and high-centred, exhibition-style blooms are perfect for vases, allowing you to harvest glamorous, long-lasting flowers from a modest patch, suiting creative hobby gardeners who enjoy arranging home-grown stems and favour beauty. |
| Small to medium front garden feature |
Its upright habit and moderate spread fit neatly into typical UK front gardens, giving vertical interest and colour without overwhelming the space, which works well for busy households seeking a smart, long-term focal point and value garden structure. |
| Classic hybrid tea bed or row |
Regular repeat flowering and relatively predictable spacing make it easy to combine several plants in a traditional rose bed or low hedge, rewarding basic seasonal care with reliable displays, ideal for beginners wanting a simple layout and consistent flowering. |
| Mixed border with shrubs and perennials |
Dark, slightly glossy foliage and deep-red flowers stand out among silvery or grass-like partners, while own-root stamina supports many years of performance within a mixed scheme, appealing to family gardeners planning long-lived plantings who appreciate longevity. |
| Sheltered, sunny courtyard garden |
Thriving in full sun with regular watering, it copes well with heat reflecting from walls, provided drainage is sound and soil is not waterlogged after heavy showers, reassuring urban owners seeking robust roses for tight spaces who prioritise practical reliability. |
| Statement rose in a clay-based border |
In heavier clay improved with grit and compost, it anchors securely and responds with strong, upright growth, as long as excess water can drain away after wet spells, suiting UK gardeners on heavier soils who want dependable performance and welcome resilience. |
Styling ideas
- Veranda glamour – Grow MISTER LINCOLN in a 50 litre tub with silvered containers and pale decking to echo shingle tones – ideal for coastal veranda owners wanting drama from minimal planting.
- Ruby spotlight – Place one plant by a favourite chair, underplanted with low Festuca and sea kale to frame the blooms – suited to tea lovers who enjoy evening fragrance after windy beach walks.
- Cutting corner – Create a narrow row of plants with easy access on both sides, edged with low Stachys for softness – perfect for beginners dreaming of their own richly scented bouquets.
- Classic contrast – Combine with cool Hydrangea petiolaris and silvery foliage to offset the deep red flowers – appealing to coastal-style enthusiasts seeking a composed, long-lived focal point.
- Cottage-modern mix – Thread MISTER LINCOLN through a mixed border with lavender and ornamental grasses for movement – a good choice for family gardens needing structure without fussy maintenance.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Hybrid Tea rose; registered and exhibited as ‘Mister Lincoln’. Current trade name: Mister Lincoln Hybrid tea rose Mister Lincoln; ARS-approved exhibition name: Mister Lincoln. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Herbert C. Swim and O. L. Weeks (USA), from ‘Chrysler Imperial’ × ‘Charles Mallerin’. Introduced by Star Roses and Plants in 1965 after breeding in 1964. |
| Awards and recognition |
All-America Rose Selections (1965), James Alexander Gamble Fragrance Medal (2003) and Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, confirming ornamental and garden value. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Strong, upright habit reaching about 150–200 cm high, spreading 75–105 cm. Moderately dense, dark green, slightly glossy foliage and moderate prickliness form a vertical, well-defined presence. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, high-centred, pointed buds in classic hybrid tea style, usually solitary on long stems. Around 26–39 petals, with abundant repeat flowering in later flushes through the season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Deep, velvety red flowers: dark burgundy buds, vivid ruby-red when opening, deep blood-red at full bloom. Colour holds well, only slightly fading in hot weather, with a faint purplish veil before ageing. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Rich, classic rose scent of very strong intensity, lingering well on warm days and in cut blooms, making it especially suitable where fragrance is a primary requirement beside paths, doors or seating. |
| Hip characteristics |
Generally poor hip set because of double blooms, but may form small, ovoid, red-orange hips about 10–14 mm across, adding occasional discreet late-season detail in sheltered conditions. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to about −26 to −23 °C (RHS H7; Swedish zone 4; USDA 5b). Good drought and heat tolerance with regular watering; resistant to black spot and powdery mildew, with medium rust susceptibility. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Allow 65 cm for mass planting, 55 cm for hedging, 100 cm as a specimen; 2.5–2.9 plants/m² depending on spacing. Deadhead to maintain repeat flowering. |
Mister Lincoln offers tall, velvety red blooms, powerful fragrance and reliable repeat flowering on a long-lived own-root framework; consider it if you would like a distinguished yet undemanding centrepiece.
