Petal Pals
hybrid tea · 1978
Ambassador
Rosa 'Ambassador'
100-140 cm (3.3-4.6 ft)
Height
Repeat
Blooming
Full sun
Light
6–10
Zone
Plant & Flower Traits
Rose type
hybrid tea
Bloom size
4-7 cm (approx. 2.5-3 inches)
Bloom habit
Mostly solitary, goblet to cupped flower shape.
Petal count
26-39
Flowering
repeat blooming
Habit
upright
Color
apricot
Fragrance
slight
Foliage
Dark green
Foliage surface
Slightly glossy
Fragrance Notes
Discreet, fruity scent; often barely noticeable.
Color Description
Vivid orange inner petals with a delicate creamy-yellow reverse; blooms fade gracefully through shades of glowing peach to soft pastel yellow/lemon.
🌱 Growth & Garden Habits
Light
Full sun
Height
100-140 cm (3.3-4.6 ft)
Spread
50-70 cm (1.6-2.3 ft)
Soil
Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to chalky, clay, loamy, and sandy soil types.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6–10
Disease Resistance
Moderate to good
🌿 Care Guide
Watering
Requires regular watering, especially during periods of heat; does not tolerate prolonged drought well.
Fertilizer
Apply a general rose or shrub fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer; mulching with well-rotted organic matter is also recommended.
Pruning
Standard hybrid tea pruning: prune in early spring to encourage new growth on new wood and maintain shape; deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote reblooming.
Pests & Diseases
Variable resistance to powdery mildew (susceptible in some regions, resistant in others); good resistance to black spot; moderate susceptibility to rust.
🧬 Pedigree
('Zambra' × 'MEIfan') × 'King's Ransom' and 'Whisky Mac'
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Gold Medal Orléans (1978)