Dolly Parton rose growing guide

Last Updated on: 9th February 2025, 10:05 am

Here’s why Dolly Parton hybrid tea roses are a great option.

If there’s one thing we love at Tayloe’s Lawn Care, it’s a plant that brings personality to the garden. And what could be more fabulous than a rose inspired by one of country music’s biggest legends? The Dolly Parton Rose isn’t just another flower—it’s bold, vibrant, and charming, just like its namesake. If you’re looking for a way to add a touch of glamour to your landscape, this stunning hybrid tea rose might be the perfect purchase.

By the end of this post, you’ll know more about what makes the orange-red blossoms such a standout, how to care for them, and Rosa ‘Dolly Parton’ deserves a spot in your garden.

A Rose as Bold as Dolly Herself

Dolly Parton is known for her big personality, dazzling stage presence, and a heart as warm as Tennessee sunshine. Her signature rose reflects those same qualities. This fully double hybrid tea rose boasts large, deep red-orange blooms with a velvety texture and a petal count of about 35 per flower. Blooms can reach up to five inches across – usually among the biggest and boldest in the garden. While some people may misclassify them as Grandiflora roses due to their size, they are, indeed, tea roses.

True to Dolly’s larger-than-life persona, this rose is over-the-top fragrant It has a strong, spicy-sweet scent that carries on the breeze, filling your garden with a perfume that’s impossible to ignore. The fragrance? Strong floral with a spicy note.

What Makes Hybrid Tea Roses Special?

The Dolly Parton Rose is a hybrid tea rose, meaning it produces one large, high-centered bloom per stem rather than clusters of flowers like floribunda or Knock Out® roses. Hybrid tea roses are the ultimate classic garden roses, prized for their elegant form and perfect blooms that make them ideal for cut flower arrangements.

Unlike Knock Out® roses, which are bred for low maintenance and continuous flowering, hybrid tea roses require a little more care. But Dolly’s namesake orange-red rose is worth the extra effort for the reward of big, breathtaking flowers with a powerful fragrance.

Growing the Dolly Parton Rose

Adding Dolly to your garden isn’t just about beauty—it’s about giving it the care it needs to thrive. While it’s not the fussiest variety out there, it requires little attention to look its best.

Planting Requirements

To get the best performance from your Dolly Parton Rose, plant it in:

Full Sun – Roses love sunlight, and this one is no exception. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, full sun daily to encourage strong growth and plenty of blooms.
Well-Drained Soil – Avoid planting in areas where water pools after heavy rain. Roses prefer rich, loamy soil that drains well but holds enough moisture to keep roots hydrated.
Proper Spacing – Allow at least 3 feet of ground space between Dolly and other plants to promote good air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
USDA zone 7 to 10. Dolly doesn’t prefer cold winter climates or hard frost.

NOTE: We do not recommend planting these in pots! They are bushy, with a rootball with a relatively large diameter. If you insist on a pot, be sure to find a monstrous one.

Watering and Feeding

Like any star, Dolly needs a sound support system. Regular watering and feeding keep it in peak condition.

Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Giving roses a good soak rather than light, frequent watering is better.
Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. This will keep blooms vibrant and encourage healthy growth.

Pruning for Performance

If you want your Dolly Parton rose to keep blooming beautifully, pruning is essential.

Remove dead or weak stems in early spring to encourage strong new growth.
After the first flush of blooms, deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat flowering.
In late winter or early spring, give it a more significant trim to shape the plant and promote healthier blooms.

The Perfect Companion for a Glamorous Garden

A star like Dolly Parton doesn’t shine alone—she shares the stage with talented musicians and performers. The same goes for her namesake rose! Here are a few plants that pair beautifully with the Dolly Parton Rose to create a show-stopping garden display:

Complementary Colors

Lavender or Blue Salvia – The cool tones of these flowers contrast beautifully with the fiery red-orange petals.
Gold Coreopsis – A bright, cheerful companion that enhances the warm hues of the rose.
Purple Verbena – Adds a delicate touch and attracts pollinators.

Foliage for Drama

Ornamental Grasses – Soft, flowing grasses like Fountain Grass add movement and texture.
Dark-Leaved Heuchera (Coral Bells) – The deep, moody foliage makes the rose’s color pop.

Fragrant Companions

Lavender – Enhances the already incredible scent of the Dolly Parton Rose.
Garden Phlox – Another highly fragrant flower that extends the floral perfume throughout your yard.

Why Choose the Dolly Parton Rose?

So why pick this rose over all the others? Beyond its undeniable beauty, it brings a few extra perks to the table:

Long-Lasting Blooms – This hybrid tea rose produces stunning flowers throughout the season with proper care.
Incredible Fragrance – You won’t be disappointed if you love roses that smell as good as they look.
Perfect for Cutting Gardens – Because hybrids bloom on long stems, they’re ideal for floral arrangements.
A Tribute to a Legend – Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly Parton fan or appreciate a flower with flair, this rose makes a statement.

Bring Some Country Glam to Your Yard

Are you interested in the purchase of an orange-red Dolly rose? We work with a local certified nursery. They keep them in stock, and we can take care of your delivery and installation. You can checkout locally with us – we’ll handle it all!

Landscaping should be as much about personality as it is about function. A garden should be a place that makes you happy every time you step outside. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t smile seeing Dolly’s big – er – blossoms greeting them every morning?

If you’re ready to add some Dolly-approved glam to your yard, check with your local nursery or online rose suppliers to get your hands on this stunning hybrid tea rose. Need help with garden design, planting, or lawn care this season? Call Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services at 252.287.3376. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll swing by for an estimate and schedule a specific date. We’ll ensure your outdoor space is as dazzling as a Grand Ole Opry performance!

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.