Roses grace the gardens of all gardening pros, but it takes years to figure out what these plants really need to thrive. I must say, it’s anything but simple, and believe me, there’s no shortcut to getting it right!
Are roses stunning? Yes. Are they fussy over growing conditions? Also yes.
But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy that timeless rose look in your garden without all the trouble?
The secret is in growing rose lookalikes but, of course, only those that are less finicky when it comes to requirements.
Let’s see a list of beauties that won’t act like drama queens and ask for VIP treatment!
1. Peonies Are Super-Easy-To-Maintain Rose Lookalikes!
The funny thing about peonies is that many people confuse them for roses when they first see them. So yeah, they’re a great alternative to roses.
But what about growing requirements? Oh, that’s the best part! They aren’t fussy at all and you can keep them happy and healthy without having any experience.
Peonies will easily survive through the cooler weather and they don’t need a lot of pruning or mulching, unlike roses.
The only drawback is that it takes a pretty long time for peonies to establish if you grow them from seeds. But if you ask me, it’s worth every second!
2. Azaleas: Easy To Grow, Spectacular To Show
Here comes a favorite bloomer of many gardeners: gorgeous azaleas! Its large flowers will steal the show in every yard, no matter if you grow them as a focal point or pair them with other species.
If your initial plan was to grow roses in a pot, don’t worry, you can do the same with azaleas. But be careful when planting these spectacular plants. They need a lot of indirect sunlight and that’s actually the only way to get more azalea blooms.
From my experience, azaleas don’t need a lot of water and they become fairly drought-tolerant once fully established.
Be careful if you have pets because azaleas are toxic, so choose the spot wisely if you have furry friends!
3. Dahlia’s Large Blossoms Will Make Every Garden Unique
If your experience with roses wasn’t so pleasant, dahlias are ideal plants for you! They look gorgeous and will fit perfectly into every flower arrangement.
They’re just as beautiful as roses but if we compare their growing requirements the story is completely different. Dahlias don’t need a lot to thrive and getting an abundance of their splendid blooms is a walk in the park.
Bear in mind that dahlias are perennials only in warmer climates. If you live in cooler regions, then you’ll need to grow them as annuals.
Make sure to cut off the lower leaves throughout the season to promote airflow and prevent diseases.
4. Bougainvillea Is One Of The Most Stunning Plants Out There
Whenever someone tells me that there’s nothing prettier than roses grown on a trellis, I always respond by telling them to take a look at the bougainvillea!
It produces countless blossoms and you can attach it to a wall or trellis and even grow it in a pot.
These plants aren’t hard to maintain but if you don’t have a spot that receives a lot of sunlight, bougainvillea may not be the right plant for you.
You’ll need to prune it from time to time to control size and promote blooming. That’s pretty much it!
5. Double Tulips Are A True Sight To Behold
Surprised by seeing tulips on this list? Nothing strange since the standard varieties don’t really resemble roses.
But have you heard of the tulip angelique, or the double tulip? Each flower has way more petals than the standard one, giving them fullness and dimension. Just like roses, right?
I planted the Darwin double tulip hybrid and I must admit, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my garden. The stems are long, which looks amazing in flower bouquets!
Tulips are generally sensitive to overwatering, so you’ll need to plant them in a free-draining soil. Blossoms are pretty sensitive so avoid planting double tulips where wind can catch them.
6. Pink Evening Primrose Will Also Add An Elegant Touch
For some gardeners, it may sound impossible to add an elegant touch without roses. Well, pink evening primroses beg to differ!
Their delicate petals come in soft pink that gradually fades to white, and they pair perfectly with the yellow centers. Interestingly, petals open during the nighttime, hence the name.
If you have a spot in your yard that receives at least 2 hours of full sun per day, pink evening primrose is ideal for you. It doesn’t need a lot of water and it tolerates different soil types.
But there’s one teeny tiny problem with all this easiness. Pink evening primroses are self-seeding and they can take over your yard quickly. If you want your yard covered in lovely blossoms, proceed with planting.
If you are more for a neat garden, then you’ll need to look for something else.
7. Poppies Bloom Abundantly With Little Effort
Does your garden need a dramatic touch? Wave goodbye to roses and say hello to poppies! Poppies are wildflowers and they can thrive even on neglect.
It literally takes zero effort to get the plants to produce an abundance of their famous red-orange cup-shaped blossoms.
My poppies survive on spring and summer showers and I’ve never watered them. But if you live in dry and warm climates, your poppies may benefit from occasional watering.
The only problem with poppies are notorious aphids, so make sure to check the blossoms and stems regularly. If you notice an aphid or two, spray them with soapy water and they’ll be gone for good!
8. Begonias Will Add A Splash Of Colors But Without A Fuss
You may think that rose bushes are impossible to replace, but begonias will prove different. They come in multiple hues and you can even prune them to get the desired shape.
Begonias do well when planted directly in the garden, in pots, and they can even thrive indoors. How remarkable is that?
For best results, plant your begonias in free-draining soil and make sure they receive enough indirect sunlight.
I water my begonias once a week during the growing season and that’s pretty much all it takes for them to flourish!
9. Pink Or Purple Coneflower Is Another Great Alternative To Roses
If your garden could benefit from more colors, coneflowers are here to get the job done! Pink and purple varieties are a true sight to behold and they’ll make perfect focal points.
What I especially like about coneflowers is that they attract pollinators so your garden will become a bee and butterfly sanctuary!
They don’t need as much water as roses but they may benefit from occasional irrigation. If the blossoms are too tiny or the plant doesn’t bloom as expected, you can add a bit of fertilizer!
10. Colorful Petunias Are An Ideal Choice!
Whichever color you like in roses, you can find it in petunias, too! These lovely plants don’t need a lot to thrive and if you deadhead them regularly they’ll bloom throughout the summer all until the first frost.
The only thing you should pay attention to is which variety you purchase. Mexican petunia, for instance, is considered invasive and controlling it is mission impossible.
So, opt for non-invasive varieties and you’ll have a lovely yard without too much effort!
11. Don’t Forget To Plant Flowering Quince!
And last but not least, you should consider planting flowering quince as a rose alternative. This is actually a cousin of roses so it’s not surprising that it looks so breathtaking!
It’s a super resilient plant with an excellent drought and temperature tolerance. If your winter garden lacks colors, flowering quince is a perfect choice because it can start blooming come January.
You can prune this shrub to get the desired shape but it won’t mind if left unpruned. Oh, hummingbirds and butterflies adore flowering quince so you’ll contribute to the ecosystem, too!
So, gardeners, if you’ve been steering clear of roses because of their picky needs, now I’m sure you’ve found the perfect alternative! You’ll enjoy the same beauty with none of the stress.