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20 Weirdest Rose Species You've Never Heard Of

Some roses don’t just look beautiful – they look downright strange. Here are the most bizarre rose species you’ve probably never seen.

Oct 22, 2024
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Monet'sRoses are often synonymous with beauty, elegance, and romance, but the world of roses is far more diverse and intriguing than you might expect. From lime-green petals to deep, almost-black hues, many rose speciesstand out for their peculiar characteristics.
These unusual roses add a unique aesthetic to your garden and create a lasting impression. This article talks about 20 of the weirdest rose species you’ve likely never heard of, each offering something distinctive.

1. Green Romantica: A Lime-Colored Marvel

The Green Romantica captivates with its fresh, lime-green buds that open into creamy white double blooms. This hybrid tea rose is a perennial plant for hardiness zones 7-11. Its unusual green outer petals make it stand out, and it has become popular among florists due to its longevity and unique coloration.
What makes Green Romanticaeven more special is its ability to maintain vibrant green hues in partial shade, making it an ideal choice for soft-colored garden beds. It's a rose that lasts long on the bush and in dried flower arrangements, making it a favorite for floral enthusiasts who enjoy working with preserved blooms.

2. Pink Grootendorst: A Carnation-Like Bloom

The Pink Grootendorst rose surprises gardeners with its fringed petals that mimic the look of carnations. This hardy rugosa rose is capable of surviving in harsh conditions, including poor soils and strong winds. Growing up to 6 feet tall, Pink Grootendorst is known for its deep pink flowers that bloom continuously throughout the season if regularly deadheaded.
Its rugged nature makes it a perfect choice for colder climates, and its compact, bushy form makes it excellent for landscaping. The soft, carnation-like blooms are as fragrant as they are pretty, making this a delightful addition to any rose collection.

3. The Green Rose: A Botanical Oddity

Green Rose
Green Rose
One of the strangest roses in existence is The Green Rose. Rather than typical petals, this rose consists of green sepals, which resemble small leaves. These sepals form a rosette-like structure, often flecked with scarlet, adding an element of surprise to its appearance. Botanically known as Rosa chinensis ‘viridiflora’, this rose has intrigued botanists and gardeners alike.
While it may not appeal to everyone, its unusual appearance makes it a conversation piece in any garden. The Green Rose thrives in zones 7-10 and enjoys full sun to partial shade. It performs particularly well as a long-lasting cut flower, adding texture and intrigue to any arrangement.

4. Koko Loco: A Rose With A Twist

The Koko Loco rose begins as a chocolate brown bud and opens into stunning caramel latte-colored blooms with soft lavenderundertones. Growing between 4 and 5 feet tall, this rose’s extraordinary color combination makes it a favorite for neutral-themed wedding bouquets and garden beds.
Koko Loco performs well in USDA zones 5 through 9 and prefers full sun. Its lavender tones become more apparent in warm weather, while the coffee hues show up during cooler months. The rose’s stunning visual transformation makes it an exciting addition to any garden, particularly when paired with other pastel-colored plants like lavender and pale violas.

5. Black Baccara: A Dark Beauty

The Black Baccara rose is a showstopper, renowned for its velvety, dark red petals that appear nearly black when in bud. As the flower opens, the deep crimson tones begin to reveal themselves, making it an ideal centerpiece for fall garden displays or moody floral arrangements.
This hybrid tea rose thrives in hot, dry climates and is best suited for USDA zones 5-9. While it can be prone to mildew and black spotsin humid environments, under the right conditions, Black Baccara blooms throughout the season. Its long, slender stems also make it ideal for vase arrangements, where it can last up to two weeks.

6. Blue Moonstone: A Violet-Hued Delight

Blue Moonstone is a rare and highly sought-after rose species from Japan, known for its violet and lilac-blue petals with a cream-colored center. Its ruffled blooms give off an ethereal, delicate charm, making it one of the most unique roses available.
This perennial thrives in full sun and grows best in well-drained soil. Although not widely available, Blue Moonstone is cherished by collectors and gardeners who appreciate its serene beauty. Its blooms are particularly striking in temperate climates, where they offer a cool, calming presence amidst more traditional garden colors.

7. Seven Sisters: A Multi-Colored Spectacle

Seven sisters
Seven sisters
The Seven Sisters rose is a vigorous rambler that can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it ideal for covering trellises, arbors, or walls. Named for the seven different bloom colors that appear on the bush at the same time, Seven Sisters produces roses in shades of purple, pink, and cream.
This once-blooming variety creates a spectacular display for about two months in late spring and early summer. While Seven Sisters only blooms once a year, the sheer volume of flowers and the multicolored display more than makeup for it. Its ability to thrive in partial shade and various soil conditions makes it a low-maintenance yet stunning choice for large gardens.

8. Osiria Rose: A Striking Contrast

The Osiria Rose is a striking hybrid tea rose that features petals with a crimson front and a white base, creating a bold contrast. Its vivid coloring and musky fragrance make it a popular choice for gardeners looking for something dramatic.
The Osiria Rose blooms annually and thrives in full sun, growing up to 6 feet tall. This rose does require some maintenance, such as regular pruning and fertilization, to keep it healthy. However, its stunning appearance and strong perfume are well worth the effort, making it a standout in both gardens and floral arrangements.

9. Claude Monet Rose: A Floral Masterpiece

Named after the famous impressionist painter, the Claude Monet Rose reflects its namesake’s love of color and light. The blooms of this rose feature a mix of yellow and pink tones, with streaks and stripes that look like brushstrokes on a canvas. Known for its fruity fragrance, this compact rose grows up to 3 feet tall and performs well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10.
The Claude Monet Rose is perfect for adding an artistic touch to garden borders or mixed beds, and its delicate blooms offer a soft, romantic presence.While it may be challenging to find, this rose’s beauty makes it a prized possession for collectors and rose lovers.

10. Lavender Veranda: Compact And Elegant

The Lavender Veranda rose is known for its compact size, making it ideal for patios, containers, and small garden spaces. Its old-fashioned, densely packed blooms have a vintage charm that’s perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor areas. Lavender Veranda is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 9, and can also tolerate hot, humid weather.
The soft lavender color of the blooms creates a calming effect, and the rose continuously blooms throughout the growing season, making it a reliable and beautiful choice for gardeners.

11. Busy Bee Rose: Resilient And Colorful

Busy Bee Rose
Busy Bee Rose
The Busy Bee Roseis a hardy hybrid tea rose that’s perfect for small spaces and container gardening. Known for its resilience, Busy Bee can tolerate cold weather, high humidity, and extreme heat, making it an ideal choice for regions with fluctuating climates. The flowers of this rose bloom in shades of peach, apricot, and coral, gradually transitioning into lighter or more intense pink tones at the edges.
Busy Bee is a consistent bloomer, offering vibrant color from spring through fall. Regular deadheading ensures that it remains in top form throughout the season, making it a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding rose.

12. Grace David Austin Rose: A Perfumed Delight

The Grace David Austin Rose is an English variety known for its soft apricot-colored blooms and warm, fruity fragrance. This rose is celebrated for its repeat blooming and disease-resistant nature, making it a popular choice for cottage gardens or formal displays. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, the Grace David Austin Rose is not only beautiful but also hardy, thriving in USDA zones 5-9.
Its repeat blooms ensure that the garden remains vibrant throughout the growing season, and the flowers’ warm apricot tones create a lovely contrast when planted alongside darker blooms.

13. Snowdrift: Classic White Blooms

The Snowdrift Rose is an elegant hybrid that produces clean, double-white blooms throughout the year. Its snow-white petals are perfect for gardeners seeking a classic and timeless look in their garden. Snowdrift is particularly valued for its disease resistance and low-maintenance nature, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
This rose can grow up to 4 feet tall and is suited for USDA zones 4-9, where it can handle a wide range of climates. It works beautifully in containers, as a border plant, or even in mixed beds with colorful companions.

14. Miyabi: A Japanese Treasure

The Miyabi Rose hails from Japan and is one of the most sought-after roses due to its unique water-lily shape. The double blooms of this rose have a peach-to-beige center, while the outer petals curve downwards in a deep pink shade. Growing up to 6 feet, Miyabi thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
It performs well in full sun, making it a fantastic addition to formal gardens, where its striking, refined shape can be fully appreciated. This rose’s delicate appearance belies its hardy nature, making it a durable yet beautiful option for those who love Japanese horticultural artistry.

15. Patrick Rose: A Lemon-Yellow Wonder

The Patrick Rose is known for its bright lemon-yellow petals that gradually shift to green hues as the flower ages. This hybrid tea rose stands out for its vibrant colors, which glow even brighter on warm, sunny days.
While Patrick Rose is disease-resistant, it does become slightly more fragile in the winter, making it best suited for zones 6-9. Its color-changing petals add an interesting dynamic to any garden, and it’s a perfect addition for bouquets, especially when paired with white flowers for a striking contrast.

16. Pomponella: A Frilly Rose

The Pomponella rose offers a whimsical, frilly appearance with its small, pom-pom-shaped, deep pink blooms. As part of the Kordes Fairytale collection, this rose is celebrated for its romantic shape and its ability to bloom continuously from spring to fall.
Pomponella is highly resistant to diseases and pests, making it a reliable choice for any garden. It grows up to 4 feet tall and is perfect for planting en masse for a dramatic, fairy-tale-like display. Its deeply cupped blooms hold their vibrant color even under the summer sun, making it a popular choice for dried arrangements as well.

17. Dreaming: Delicate And Sweet

The Dreaming Rose enchants with its shell-pink single flowers, each highlighted by golden stamens that stand out against the soft petals. This delicate beauty blooms throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and pollinators to the garden.
Dreaming grows up to 15 feet and thrives best on a sturdy trellis or as a climber in zones 6-10. Its mild, sweet fragrance adds to its appeal, making it a lovely choice for butterfly gardens or mixed flower beds where its soft pink hues can complement other colors.

18. In Your Eyes: A Multicolored Hybrid

The In Your Eyes rose is a persica hybrid that boasts an ever-changing palette of colors. The blooms start deep orange with red centers and gradually fade to pinkish-lavender as they mature. This multicolored display is both striking and dynamic, giving your garden an ever-changing focal point throughout the summer.
This shrub grows up to 8 feet tall and performs best in USDA zones 5-9. It’s particularly well-suited for warmer climates, where its colorful blooms last all season long. With its gentle fruity fragrance, In Your Eyes can be paired with warm-colored perennials like red valerian for a stunning garden display.

19. Flawless Rose: A Perfect Blend

The Flawless Rose is an exceptional variety that blends the best characteristics of floribundas and hybrid teas. Known for its pastel pink blooms and delicate raspberry fragrance, Flawless offers fully double blossoms that can grow up to 4 inches across. Its ability to withstand heat and humidity makes it a perfect choice for Southern gardens.
This rose is also resistant to common diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for those who want continuous beauty in their gardens. Plant Flawless alongside other pastel blooms for a dreamy, cohesive garden theme.

20. Green Snake: A Groundcover Beauty

Unlike traditional upright roses, the Green Snake rose is a groundcover variety that sends out long, trailing canes, creating a natural, cascading effect. Its small ivory and blush-tinged flowers bloom in early spring and continue to show up in occasional flushes throughout the season.
Green Snake grows just 6 to 10 inches tall but can spread up to 7 feet wide, making it ideal for filling in gaps at the base of taller roses or cascading over walls in tiered gardens. This hardy plant thrives in zones 5-10, where it adds a soft, natural aesthetic to the garden floor while requiring little maintenance.

FAQs About Unusual Rose Species

What Are The Most Unusual Rose Species?

Some of the most unusual rose species include Green Romantica, Pink Grootendorst, The Green Rose, Koko Loco, and Black Baccara. Each offers distinct features, from strange colors to unique growth habits.

How Can I Grow Rare Rose Species In My Garden?

To grow rare roses, provide the right conditions for each variety. Most unusual roses prefer well-drained soil and full sun, though some, like Green Romantica, thrive in partial shade.

Why Do Some Rose Species Have Strange Characteristics?

The unique traits of some rose species arise from genetic mutations, selective breeding, or adaptations to specific environments. This can result in unusual colors, petal shapes, or growth habits.

Are Rare Rose Species More Challenging To Care For?

Rare rose species may have specific care requirements that differ from common varieties. However, with proper attention and the right growing conditions, they can thrive in your garden.

Can I Grow Unusual Roses In Cold Climates?

Some rare species, such as Pink Grootendorst and Snowdrift, are hardy and can tolerate colder climates, while others, like Green Romantica, are better suited for warmer regions.

Conclusion

The world of roses is filled with a variety of unique and captivating species that go beyond the traditional rose blooms. From the deep green of The Green Rose to the pastel artistry of Claude Monet, these roses offer something new and exciting for gardeners willing to try something different. Adding these unusual roses to your garden not only enhances its beauty but also gives it a distinct charm that will leave a lasting impression.
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