Red Bird

Red Bird – A Timeless Symbol of Elegance in Red

Red Bird is a striking medium red Hybrid Tea rose, cherished by rose collectors and florists alike since its introduction in 1957 by Jackson & Perkins Co. This elegant bloom was discovered by E.A. Manda, Jr. in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, as a natural sport of the classic ‘Better Times’ rose.

With its vivid red coloration and moderate fragrance, Red Bird is a showstopper in any garden or bouquet. Its very large, high-centered blooms—averaging 4.75 inches across—boast 35 to 45 lush petals, forming a full and refined silhouette. Blooms are typically borne singly or in small clusters, rising above upright canes with leathery, deep green foliage made up of 5 to 7 leaflets.

Red Bird blooms in flushes throughout the season, delighting gardeners with its vigorous growth and reliable flowering performance. The large, pointed ovoid buds unfurl with classic Hybrid Tea grace, making this rose ideal for cutting and floral display.

🪴 Growth Habit:

• Upright, vigorous
• Suitable for USDA zones 6b and warmer
• Requires spring pruning: Remove old or diseased wood, reduce crossing canes, and cut back about one-third in warm climates—or more in colder zones

🔍 Heritage Note:

Discovered among ‘Better Times’ plants, Red Bird stands as a proud and stable mutation, carrying forward the legacy of its predecessor with a fresh, vibrant personality of its own.

Whether for a florist’s cooler or your garden’s center stage, Red Bird is a dependable, dramatic, and deeply satisfying rose to grow and admire.