shrub

Eye of the Tiger Rose

Rosa horcogjil

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa persica hybrids, often called Hulthemia roses, are a unique group characterized by a distinct, dark central blotch at the base of the petals, creating a striking 'eye.' They are often very heat and drought tolerant.

'Horcogjil', or Eye of the Tiger, features abundant clusters of semi-double, apricot-yellow flowers, each with a dramatic red eye. It is a repeat bloomer with a mild, spicy fragrance and excellent disease resistance.

Uses & Benefits:

The main draw is the highly unusual and eye-catching flower, with a bright yellow base and a dramatic red center. It blooms prolifically and repeatedly, providing a unique look for sunny, dry garden areas.

Its excellent heat and drought tolerance make it a superb choice for challenging, hot locations, rock gardens, or xeriscaping. Its compact, bushy habit is suitable for containers or mass plantings.

The simple, open flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinators, providing an accessible source of pollen and nectar throughout the summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates dry heat

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but thorns are a hazard

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose the sunniest, warmest spot in your garden.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with sand or gravel if needed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant with the bud union just above the soil line.
Backfill with soil, water well, and mulch lightly.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.

Pro Tip

This rose thrives in heat and well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich soil and excessive water to get the best performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Plant in gritty, well-drained soil.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't use overhead watering, which can promote disease.
Avoid planting in a location with poor air circulation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Unique specimen for a sunny borderDrought-tolerant rock garden featureEye-catching mass planting

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Gaura lindheimeri Stachys byzantina Artemisia Eryngium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eye of the Tiger Rose questions

What zones can Eye of the Tiger Rose grow in?

Eye of the Tiger Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eye of the Tiger Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Eye of the Tiger Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Eye of the Tiger Rose bloom?

Eye of the Tiger Rose typically blooms in late spring through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eye of the Tiger Rose need full sun?

Eye of the Tiger Rose does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Eye of the Tiger Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eye of the Tiger Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.