20 Flowers That Look Like Roses
Roses may be the reigning monarchs of the garden, but for those who prefer an alternative or simply want to add some variety to their floral arrangements, there are numerous flowers that bear a striking resemblance to these classic blooms. From scented and fragrant varieties to colorful and showy options, we’ll explore 20 different types of flowers that look like roses.
For those who adore the delicate charm of peonies or the whimsical appeal of lisianthus, there’s sure to be something on this list that will catch their eye. Whether you’re looking for a substitute for traditional roses or simply want to add some diversity to your garden or vase arrangements, these flowers offer a unique blend of beauty and intrigue.
From dahlias and tulips to begonias and impatiens, we’ll delve into the world of flowers that look like roses, exploring their characteristics, benefits, and uses in the garden and beyond.
20 flowers that look like roses
Delving into the world of rose-like flowers, it’s the trifecta of characteristics that sets them apart – the double petals, vibrant color palette, and intoxicating scent. For those seeking a lower maintenance option or more affordable alternatives to traditional roses for special occasions, these blooms are definitely worth exploring.
Peonies
Peonies have earned a reputation for their stunning bridal bouquets, cut arrangements, and decorative uses due to their unique characteristic of having layered petals on single or double blooms. As a popular choice among florists, they are readily available in flower shops during spring’s peak blooming period, which typically lasts until early summer.
Interestingly, peonies boast an impressive 30+ species, showcasing a diverse range of colors including pink, white, magenta, and the rare, striking crimson red.
Lisianthus
The Texas bluebell, also known as Lisianthus, is a type of flowering plant that thrives in warm climates, particularly in the Southern United States and Central and South America. One of its unique characteristics is its affordability, which is likely due to its tendency to grow abundantly along grasslands. This flower has a striking resemblance to single bloom roses, with the added feature of a bright yellow center.
What’s more impressive is that Lisianthus comes in a wide range of colors, including blue, purple, white, fuchsia, magenta, and pink – making it a versatile addition to any garden or floral arrangement. The white variety bears an uncanny resemblance to roses, making it particularly striking.
Dahlias
While dahlias may not resemble roses at first glance, their scent and unique petal shape evoke a sense of familiarity, much like receiving a bouquet of mixed flowers. But beyond their physical appearance, dahlias hold deeper significance as symbols of emotional resilience, creativity, and refinement.
With an array of vibrant colors including pink, white, yellow, purple, magenta, and red, they bring a pop of color to any container or arrangement, making them a popular choice for floral enthusiasts.
Double tulips
Double tulips may resemble the vibrant blooms in your imagination, but with one notable difference – their petals are more numerous and open, giving them a fuller appearance akin to roses in full bloom. This distinct look has led many to draw parallels between double tulips and these romantic flowers. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, double tulips also hold significant cultural significance, serving as symbols of love and fidelity across various traditions.
Interestingly, they come in a diverse range of colors, including the bold hues of red and magenta, soft whites and yellows, and subtle pinks.
Carnation
While roses are often the go-to choice for expressing romantic sentiments, carnations possess their own unique charm. One of the most distinctive features of these flowers is their striking, textured blooms, which evoke a sense of drama and flair when arranged in a bouquet. Notably, both carnations and roses share symbolic meanings, conveying love, joy, and prosperity.
Moreover, carnations hold cultural significance across various traditions, boasting a rich color palette akin to that of the rose. Additionally, their delicate fragrance is sure to delight, making them an attractive choice for bouquets and arrangements alike.
Begonia
The begonia’s flower heads share striking similarities with the rose’s, boasting feathery, plump, and massive structures. Furthermore, its delicate petals showcase a ruffly texture reminiscent of roses. A notable color palette includes vibrant shades of purple, pink, and magenta. In symbolic terms, this plant signifies individuality, making it an ideal gift for those who proudly flaunt their unique personalities – friends, family members, or romantic partners alike.
Double impatiens
This petite bloom is often likened to roses during its initial blooming stage. Upon closer inspection, it appears as a harmonious blend of rose and begonia characteristics, boasting full, rounded flowers that typically unfold in hues of white, red, pink, fuchsia, and magenta. Despite their diminutive size, these flowers are surprisingly easy to cultivate and require minimal upkeep.
Interestingly, the symbolism surrounding this flower varies across cultures – while it may represent maternal love in one context, it could alternatively signify disagreement in another.
Ranunculus
While not as widely celebrated as roses, the Tea Buttercup flower boasts an uncanny resemblance to its more famous counterpart. Its unique double blooms feature a mix of upright, budding petals and open, drooping ones, creating a visually striking display. A suitable alternative to roses, this charming bloom presents itself in soft baby pink and white hues. Furthermore, the Tea Buttercup is also known as the tea buttercup flower, with its origins believed to stem from the Middle East.
Interestingly, it serves as a symbol of love and friendship.
Camelias
While camellias are often distinguished by their distinctive arched petals, they share a commonality with roses due to their full, ruffled flower heads and vibrant colors reminiscent of rose hues. In fact, this ornamental plant is often regarded as an excellent alternative to traditional red and white roses, particularly in its most prevalent color form. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the camellia holds symbolic significance.
The rich, bold hue of a red camellia represents passionate love, while its softer pink counterpart embodies fondness and affection. In contrast, the pure white variety is often associated with innocence, purity, and admiration.
Double dianthus
The Hibiscus-Rose Hybrid: A Unique Floral Delight This captivating flower is a perfect blend of rose and hibiscus, boasting striking foliage with a fleshy texture. Its mild, soothing scent and showy blooms are reminiscent of a rose in full bloom. The open, bicolored petals and double blooms add to its allure. Not only does it come in an array of colors – solid white, pink, magenta, red, and yellow – but it’s also remarkably easy to care for.
It thrives in sunny conditions, without requiring fertilizer to grow. With a mature height of up to 18 inches, this beauty needs staking on the sides to maintain its upright posture.
Gardenia
Gardenias are an excellent counterpart to roses, boasting soft, waxy, and fragrant blooms that exude a sweet aroma. The flowers feature a vibrant yellow center surrounded by dark green, glossy leaves. Notably, they produce large flower heads with ruffled petals in a range of colors including white, yellow, cream, and more.
Gardenias are well-suited to tropical climates, requiring minimal maintenance while thriving in warm temperatures.
Their distinct scent is particularly appealing to pollinators, making them an attractive choice for floral arrangements and as a landscape plant. In fact, they’re often used in traditional leis and other decorative displays.
Related: Growing Tropical Plants Indoors: Bring the warmth of the tropics inside with houseplants
Double anemone
While anemones may stand out as individual beauties, they share some commonalities with roses. For instance, their appearance is reminiscent of semi-double roses, but with a striking deep purple or dark blue center that sets them apart. Unlike rose shrubs, however, anemones are not capable of growing to great heights. Furthermore, anemones boast a more diverse color palette than roses, featuring hues ranging from deep purple to vibrant red and snowy white.
This unique combination makes anemones an attractive alternative for those seeking rare colors, particularly blue flowers, which are scarce in the rose family. The result is a truly distinctive bloom that adds depth and character to any arrangement or garden.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea’s showy clusters of small flowers, which burst forth in the summer, can be deceivingly reminiscent of a full-bloomed rose – but it’s not just the flower shape that shares similarities with its thorny counterpart. Both hydrangeas and roses grow as shrubs, boasting leaves that while distinct, exhibit certain parallels. The appeal of this flowering beauty lies not only in its aesthetics but also in the multitude of symbols associated with its different hues.
For instance, pink hydrangeas convey deep emotions and gratitude, while white ones embody pride and innocence. But it’s the rare blue hue that truly stands out, imbuing the flower with a deeper meaning – a desire to understand someone on a profound level.
Poppy
While not typically associated with roses, the ‘Rose Chiffon’ poppy stands out due to its striking resemblance. Despite this unique characteristic, traditional poppies boast a range of vibrant colors including bright orange, fiery red, soft pink, sunny yellow, and even rare blue hues. One of the best aspects of these flowers is their ease of cultivation – they require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels to enjoy during the warm summer months.
Desert rose
This adenium variety stands out for its unique blend of rose-like blooms and succulent-like stems. If you’re seeking a low-maintenance flower that still offers a touch of elegance, this option should be at the top of your list. As an added bonus, it’s a slow-growing plant that doesn’t require frequent watering, thrives in sunny conditions, and has a compact size that makes it easy to bring indoors. Furthermore, its air-purifying properties make it an excellent choice for indoor spaces.
Azaleas
Azaleas, with their showy flowers, are often mistaken for roses due to their ruffled appearance. When seen en masse, they resemble hydrangeas in bloom. These shrubs boast a vibrant color palette, featuring shades of bright red, orange, purple, white, pink, and yellow. Their low-maintenance requirements make them an ideal choice for gardeners. To keep them bushy and healthy, it’s essential to prune them back after their initial blooming period.
When combined with sun-loving annuals and perennials, azaleas can add a pop of color and drama to any outdoor space.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
The Rose of Sharon, a flowering tree not to be confused with the floral arrangement namesake, boasts a unique beauty in its blooms. Despite sharing no botanical connection with roses, the tree’s flowers exhibit a striking resemblance to their red counterparts. Characterized by their ruffled edges and strong scent, these blossoms are often accompanied by a vibrant yellow center and splashy red accents.
While most commonly associated with its yellow-centered, red-tinged varieties, the Rose of Sharon also comes in pink, blue, and lavender hues.
Pink mountain rose (Greenovia Aurea El Hierro)
This honourable mention goes to a succulent that may not be a flower in the classical sense, but still deserves recognition. Its florets are meticulously shaped like roses, a true marvel of nature. Native to the Canary Islands, this rare specimen was given its name due to its unique characteristic: when it enters dormancy, it transforms into a seemingly pink rose. As one of the most sought-after succulents, it’s no wonder that it boasts a stunning pink blush tone.
Its rarity only adds to its allure.
Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
This versatile ground cover blooms with intricate, rose-like florets in a palette of vibrant hues: yellow, red, orange, white, and pink. The flower’s bright yellow center protrudes from the cluster, sometimes creating a kaleidoscope effect when multiple colors are present in a single bloom. As an added bonus, it can be grown in containers as well as in its natural habitat.
A resilient plant, it adapts readily to dry spells and frost, and its tolerance for diverse soil conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Apple blossom
The rambling rose, also known as Leptospermum scoparium, is a resilient shrub that boasts small, delicate pink flowers resembling tiny florets. While it may share some superficial similarities with other rose varieties – such as the Carpet Apple Blossom cultivar – it remains a distinct entity in its own right. This adaptable plant proves versatile, suitable for use as a hedge, border, or accent piece in any landscape design.
Moreover, its low-maintenance nature and innate resistance to various plant diseases make it an attractive choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
FAQs
Are there roses that do not look like roses?
While it’s true that roses come in a wide range of varieties, there are some cultivars that defy the traditional notion of what a rose looks like. If you’re intrigued by these unconventional blooms, here are some notable examples. Apothecary rose, for instance, boasts a unique crest-like feature on its petals, while Crested moss resembles a soft, fluffy moss more than a flower.
La France’s delicate appearance belies its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and Kazanlik’s unusual shape sets it apart from the norm. Quatre Saisons’ name translates to ‘four seasons’, which is fitting given its remarkable adaptability, while Flutterbye’s whimsical petals evoke a sense of playfulness. Joseph’s Coat and Pleasant Valley offer bold, vibrant colors, while Rainbow Knockout’s bright hues are anything but subtle.
The Magician, Maestro, Picasso, Watercolors, Little Artist, and Champagne Cocktail all share one thing in common – they challenge our preconceived notions of what a rose should look like.
What scented flowers can be combined with roses in the garden?
When it comes to creating a rose garden that’s redolent with floral aromas, you’ll want to consider incorporating some of the most fragrant flowers into your design.
Among these are Stargazer lilies, known for their sweet and slightly spicy scent; Narcissus, which emit a powerful, honey-like aroma; Primrose, whose delicate fragrance is reminiscent of citrus; Mock orange, with its heady, sweet scent; Viburnum, boasting a subtle yet inviting aroma; Honeysuckle, prized for its unmistakable, intoxicating fragrance; Freesia, offering a bright and cheerful scent; Violets, with their delicate, floral aroma; and Gardenia, renowned for its powerful, tropical fragrance.
By incorporating these scented flowers into your rose garden, you’ll be able to create a sensory experience that’s as delightful as it is inviting.
What are the flashiest rose varieties?
For a visually stunning rose garden, it’s essential to select the most vibrant and colorful varieties. Here are some of the most striking options you can consider: By choosing the right combination of these show-stopping roses, you’ll be able to create a landscape that bursts with color and beauty. From bold reds to soft pinks and bright yellows, each variety has its own unique charm.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a subtle addition to your garden design, these colors are sure to impress.
What are the easiest roses to grow?
While it’s true that growing roses can be a challenge at times, there is a silver lining. A significant number of rose varieties fall under the ‘easy to grow’ category, making them perfect for beginners or those who want to dip their toes into rose cultivation without fully committing. These varieties are designed to thrive with minimal maintenance and care, providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for even the most novice gardener.
Is there a black rose?
While there are no true black roses, some cultivars have been developed to boast deep, dark colors that resemble the elusive ‘black rose’. One such variety is Rosa ‘Almost Black’, which boasts a stunning crimson hue. This flower has taken on various symbolic meanings across cultures and time. For some, it represents death, revenge, mourning, mystery, or resistance.
The allure of this enigmatic bloom lies in its ability to evoke powerful emotions and associations, making it a popular choice among rose enthusiasts.
Are there climbing roses?
Roses are often associated with traditional blooms that grow in a bush-like fashion, but did you know there are varieties that thrive as vines? If you’re looking to add some unique charm to your garden, consider these rose vine options: Danse de Feu, Souvenir Du Docteur Jamain, Fourth of July, Alchymist, May Queen, Clarence House, Eden, Dublin Bay, and Warm Welcome. These varieties will provide a beautiful display of climbing roses that can be trained up trellises, arbors, or even walls.
What is the rarest rose?
The most extraordinary variety of roses is undoubtedly the Juliet rose, a tea rose distinguished by its delicate double blooms in a captivating blend of white and apricot hues. What sets this rare gem apart is the remarkable time it takes to reach full bloom – a process that can span years. In fact, renowned breeder David Austin devoted an astonishing 15 years and £4.
3 million to perfecting the Juliet rose, a testament to his dedication and perseverance in creating this exquisite floral masterpiece.
What roses bloom year-round?
For those seeking constant rose blooms, there are four main categories to explore: miniature, grandiflora, floribunda, and hybrid tea. Each of these groups offers year-round flowering opportunities.
How long can a rose cut last?
While rose cuts typically have a shelf life of just seven days, there are several strategies you can employ to extend their vase life and continue to appreciate their stunning beauty. One effective approach is to change the water in the vase every two days, even if the roses appear wilted at first. In many cases, this simple step can revitalize the flowers, allowing them to regain their freshness and vibrancy.
What succulents look exactly like roses?
Looking for the romantic charm of roses without the hassle of maintenance? Consider turning to rose-looking succulents, often referred to as ‘rose succulents’ or Greenovia dodrentalis. With a simple online search, you’ll discover an array of succulent species that closely mimic the appearance of roses, offering a low-maintenance alternative for those seeking the elegance and charm of these iconic flowers without the upkeep.
When is the best time to plant roses?
When it comes to planting a new rose bush, the ideal time frame is generally considered to be from spring to early fall. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the roots have sufficient time to establish themselves before the winter months arrive, as roses typically enter a state of dormancy during this period. This allows them to conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.
Conclusion
While some may argue that a rose is always a rose, regardless of color or shape, there are valid reasons why seeking alternatives might be a practical choice. In the realm of gardening, maintaining rose shrubs can be a delicate affair. For those looking to gift, pot, or use as cut flowers, there are options that offer similar scents and colors at a lower price point than their prized counterparts.
When roses aren’t in season or you’re simply looking for a change of pace, it’s natural to seek out flowers that evoke the same sense of elegance. Fortunately, we have a wide range of options that can hold their own against these iconic blooms.
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