Hybrid Perpetuals

Hybrid Perpetuals were the result of an attempt to combine the large flowers and rich scent of the Gallica Roses and their great cold resistance with the perpetual flowering of the Chinas. The forerunner of this class was 'Rose du Roi', a seedling of the Portland rose raised in France in 1815. The true, large-flowered Hybrid Perpetuals, or Hybrides Remontant as they were called in France, were first raised by Laffay at Auteuil, starting with 'Princesse Hélène' in 1837. He crossed Hybrid Chinas with Portlands and Bourbons and produced a proportion of repeat-flowering roses; the recessive, repeat-flowering genes were present in both parents. The Hybrid Perpetuals are a parent of the modern Hybrid Teas while the Teas are the other parent. So hence the name Hybrid (Perpetual) Tea. 

Hybrid Perpetual are nearly all very upright, vigorous shrubs and best suited as small climbers or for obelisks, piramides, fences, trellis etc. Give them support and try to grow them as horizontally as possible. Pegging down is also a great way to grow them. It will increase the amount of blooms enormously. 

These roses are very very hungry and need lots of organic material and organic fertilizer. A monthly organic based granulated fertilizer is definitely the minimum. In Autumn and spring you add lots of composted manure or compost so a thick mulch layer will keep the ground moist in dry summers. Don't prune the first three years and after that you just prune to keep the rose in a nice shape so don't prune like if you prune a Hybrid Tea. Deadheading is always a must and also removing dead and weak wood.

Hybrid Perpetuals love space so don't plant them right next to other roses or plants. The best way to enjoy them is as a solitary without competition. Dark red Hybrid Perpetuals like Souvenir du Docteur Jamain or Empereur du Maroc will get their blooms burned in full sun. Give them a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. 

If you keep this advice in mind you're Hybrid Perpetuals will get a real good start. Good luck!