Rosa 'Mrs Dudley Cross' 
(Dudley Cross Rose, Nearly Thornless Tea Rose)

Origin:  Hybridizer, William Paul  (England, 1908)
Family:  Rosaceae
Light:  Full sun
Height:  4-8'
Spacing:  3-5'
Blooms:  Long lasting, repeat, large, 3-4" across, double, mild fragrance, long pointed buds open to yellow with pink edges then turn to pink blush in the presence of sun and then ages crimson, double, cupped, 30-40 petal count, small clusters, mid-Spring
Foliage:  Handsome, olive-dark green, large, serrated
Soil: Well-drained, poor, clayey, sandy, composted
Water:  Moderate-regular
Fertilize:  Before new growth appears in Spring
Uses:  Hedge, specimen, landscape, cut flowers, container
Propagation:  Budding, grafting, cuttings, simple, tip, air layering
Insects/Disease:  Mildew and rust resistant

Comments:  Rosa 'Mrs Dudley Cross' or  Dudley Cross Rose or Nearly Thornless Tea Rose is an old shrub rose with a dense, sprawling, vigorous growth habit.  It is a hybrid, bred by William Paul in England (1908).  In mid-Spring, Rosa Mrs Dudley Cross prolifically produces long buds which open to mildly fragrant, yellow and turn red and then ages to crimson.  The freshly cut flowers make a lovely bouquet.  Tea Rose 'Mrs Dudley Cross' has handsome, large, olive dark green leaves.  It is easily propagated from budding, grafting or stem cuttings.  'Dudley Cross' Rose thrives best in well-drained, composted clay or sandy soil in a sunny environment.  It can also be container cultivated.  Keep moist when young till established and mulch well to keep the roots cool.  Rosa 'Mrs Dudley Cross' is heat and drought tolerant.  It tolerates some shade but flowers are prettier, turning to shades of yellow and pink and crimson, with all three colors appearing on the same bush in the presence of sunlight.  This very popular old Southern rose, also called The Yellow Rose of Texas makes a fine specimen and is safe to grow around children or foot traffic as it has nearly thornless stems.  Grow them as showy long-flowering hedges.  The favorable weather conditions and ease of growth make the existence of the century old 'Dudley Cross' Rose possible in some anceint home sites in southern Texas.  Its gorgeous beauty captures the heart of many a gardener.   

Interesting to note, Rosa 'Mrs Dudley Cross' is the winner of the 2001 Victorian award from the Baton Rouge Rose Society.

USDA Zones:  7-10