HYBRID TEA ROSES. The name ‘hybrid tea’ came about because they originated from the old Tea Roses. The old Tea Roses had a scent of freshly picked tea. Although they produced very beautiful flowers they were not very hardy and were very prone to a range of diseases. Over the years and through very selective breeding the modern Hybrid Tea has improved tremendously and is now fully hardy and far better at fending off disease. Hybrid Teas are very much the most popular form of rose and come in a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances. For feeding, pruning etc see the Rose Care Page on Main Menu.