Roses are my favorite shrubs. They can flower in every season except winter. But how do you decide on just one color?
And do you go with traditional ones or choose something more unique?
If you’re siding with the latter, I’ve got you covered! There are great green roses waiting just for you!
They come in one-of-a-kind shades and will bring more character to your garden. And, believe it or not, there are many green rose cultivars.
I had to narrow the list down a bit, so here are 5 stunning options.
Let’s get started!
The Background
Green roses are rare, but not as rare as you may think. You can still find them online!
The most widely-known variety is the Chinese green rose.
When you see it, there may not be too much to it. And for a good reason. It doesn’t have any colored petals. In fact, it’s the sepals that form its flower head.
But this isn’t the only green rose in the world! There are cultivars with actual green petals.
They are hybrid roses and don’t occur in nature. Yet, you can still get them in nurseries if they’re the ones that will fit your yard perfectly.
The thing about green roses is that they are usually not fragrant. That’s why they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.
And they don’t produce viable seeds. This means you’ll have to propagate them by grafting or using cuttings.
Yet, the only thing you need to make sure of is to avoid rose growing mistakes. Do this, and your shrubs will flourish.
The 5 Green Rose Varieties
Now that you know a little something about green roses, let’s check out the most popular varieties.
P.S. Neither of them will need any extra care, so you can relax.
#1 ‘Greensleeves’
| USDA zone: | 6-10 |
| Bloom time: | June to October |
| Size: | 3 ft tall |
‘Greensleeves’ roses take the word unique to a whole ‘nother level. They start as pink buds, but open into gorgeous blush-green flowers.
They grow in dense clusters and remain in bloom for a long time. What I don’t like about them is that they don’t have any fragrance. But if it’s only the looks you’re after, go for it!
The good news is that they don’t need special care. Give them at least 4 hours of direct light each day. Plant them in rich, moist, and well-drained soil. That’s it!
Almost! There’s one thing left. Try pruning roses in November to prevent diseases. Or do it in spring when it comes to ‘Greensleeves.’
P.S. You might need to remove more growth in colder climates than in warmer regions.
#2 Green Tea
| USDA zone: | 6-9 |
| Bloom time: | Spring through fall |
| Size: | 3-8 ft tall |
This cultivar belongs to the famous hybrid tea roses. They are hardy and can tolerate various conditions.
Yet, if you want this precise variety to thrive, you should keep it in full sun. Ensure its medium is rich in organic matter, moist, and well-draining. Mildly acidic pH is also welcome.
Green tea roses produce double-petaled flowers in the center of the plant. Use them as a statement piece in your garden or combine it with white roses for more pow!
P.S. Did you know that you can encourage rose blooms with a simple kitchen ingredient? It can help your green tea roses reach their full potential.
#3 ‘Lemonade’
| USDA zone: | 4-9 |
| Bloom time: | Summer through fall |
| Size: | 3 ft tall |
No, you can’t drink these roses! But you do get to enjoy their flowers in summer and fall. I’m talking about ‘Lemonade’ roses.
They come in different colors, but today our interest lies in the green ones. Their light lime-green flowers are enough for any gardener to fall in love with them.
And once you see their ruffled petals, you won’t be able to say no to them.
Keep them in full sun and well-drained, fertile substrates. That’s the secret to their success. And try some fall rose tips to have them blooming year after year.
#4 ‘Super Green’
| USDA zone: | 6-9 |
| Bloom time: | Spring through summer |
| Size: | 4 ft tall |
Full and ruffled flowers of ‘Super Green’ roses are irresistible. And their green tint only makes them more unique. They do resemble cabbage heads, but in a good way.
The ‘Super Green’ rose looks amazing in bouquets and flower arrangements. Yet, you can keep them on shrubs until they fade away.
Combine them with miniature roses and you’ll bring out the best of both species.
Plant your ‘Super Green’ rose in a site with plenty of sunlight and well-draining substrate. Amend the growing medium with some compost and water your plants with 1-2 inches of moisture per week.
Remember, there are many reasons your roses aren’t blooming, but inadequate irrigation is the most common.
#5 ‘Viridiflora’
| USDA zone: | 6-9 |
| Bloom time: | Spring through fall |
| Size: | 2-5 ft tall |
The Chinese rose ‘Viridiflora’ is rather different from others on this list. It doesn’t have petals. In fact, the greenery it has are its sepals – modified leaves.
And I know what you’re thinking. This plant doesn’t look anything special. Or rather, it kind of looks like a weed.
Yet, it works well in any garden design. Combine it with more traditional varieties, and you’ll get a stunning perennial bed.
Expose it to plenty of sunlight and keep it in well-drained and fertile substrates. This particular variety doesn’t grow that fast, so don’t expect instant changes.
You know the old saying: slow and steady wins the race!
P.S. Try some planter rose growing tips with your ‘Viridiflora’ to add more interest to your container garden.