China roses are undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous flowers that one can have in their garden. We’re passionate about caring for all rose varieties, which is why we have the answers to your questions.
We understand that introducing any new plant into your garden can be an intimidating task. A new plant means a whole new set of rules that must be followed in order to ensure that plant lives a healthy life.
In order to help you, we’ve done the hard work for you by compiling this list of 8 great China rose varieties and how to successfully care for them.
What Kind of Rose Is A China Rose?
A China rose is a specific species of rose called the Rosa chinensis.
These roses are native to the Southwestern region of China.
The China rose bush is identifiable by its shrub appearance, which forms as hedges or thickets.
The rose itself often has about 5 red/pink petals.
The History Of China Roses
Roses from China changed the world of roses forever when they arrived in Europe.
Before the eighteenth century, the only European rose with any repeat bloom was the Autumn Damask, which bloomed twice each year.
However, when the China roses came to Europe, they brought with them the genes necessary for roses to bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season. This completely changed how Europeans viewed and bred roses.
In addition to their ability to bloom repeatedly, China roses also had other characteristics that were desirable to rose breeders and gardeners.
One of these was that they darkened with age, instead of fading as European roses did.
This broadened the color range of available roses to include shades of yellow and deep crimson that had not been seen before.
The China roses also broadened the range of scents for roses, creating new blends when they hybridized with other types of roses.
All in all, the arrival of China roses in Europe was a game-changer for those who loved and bred these beautiful flowers.
8 China Roses, Types and Care
Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world, but many gardeners don’t realize that China roses have their own unique characteristics.
Here’s what you need to know about 8 great China rose varieties and how to care for them.
1. Old Blush Rose
The Old Blush rose was discovered by John Parsons in 1793.
It was introduced in United Kingdom by James Colvill in circa 1795, as ‘Parsons’ Pink China’.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Moderate |
| PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 10ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Old Blush rose has semi-double flowers in a pink color that darkens as it ages.
It is a pink rose that grows in clusters and produces large orange hips when the blossoms are done.
The Old Blush rose is capable of being trained as a short climber, which is perfect if you have a low fence in your yard.
You will have to initially train your roses to climb.
This can effortlessly be done by fastening the branches of your rose bush to the climbing structure with some gardening tape.
This rose is tolerable of poor soil types, though, for best results, we highly recommend a soil that is fertile, moist, and well-draining.
2. Cramoisi Supérieur Rose
The Cramoisi Supérieur rose was introduced in France by Jean-Baptiste Paillet in 1834, as ‘Cramoisi Supérieur’.
| COLOR: Cherry-Red To Crimson | BLOOM SIZE: Small To Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild, Raspberry Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 6ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Cramoisi Supérieur rose has double blossoms that are rounded and cupped and small, dark green leaves.
If you keep it pruned, the rose will stay small.
The Cramoisi Supérieur rose has a preference for warmer climates. They are hardy to zones 7b through 10b.
In addition, this rose variety is drought tolerant.
Don’t fret over making sure your roses are watered, this rose bush can withstand dry conditions. Just make sure to water as soon as the soil has dried up entirely!
This rose variety does not require a lot of pruning, unlike some other varieties of rose.
In fact, you can opt to not prune your Cramoisi Superieur bushes at all!
Regardless, we always recommend pruning any foliage that is damaged.
3. Louis Philippe Rose
Louis Philippe rose was bred by Félix Guérin in France, before 1834.
| COLOR: Crimson | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild To Strong, Sweet Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
This rose is a favorite of Texans because it was collected by Lorenzo de Zavala and planted at his home in Texas, in 1834.
The Louis Philippe rose enjoys warm climates, being hardy to zones 7 through 11.
In addition, this rose variety is perfect for gardeners who live in subtropical, humid climates.
This rose variety is tolerable of neglect– and can often be found growing wild long after the original planter has stopped caring for them.
If you’re a gardener who is frequently out of town, the Louis Philippe rose will allow you to have a free schedule without worrying about intensive rose maintenance.
4. Archduke Charles Rose
Archduke Charles rose was bred by Dubourg in France, in 1825.
It was introduced in France by Jean Laffay in circa 1825, as ‘Archduke Charles’.
| COLOR: Pink, Ages To Crimson | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The color of the Archduke Charles changes as the flower matures.
In its early stages, the rose is a combination of red outer petals with a pink center. Later on, the rose eventually transforms into a uniform crimson.
The speed at which this rose changes colors is dependent on the intensity of sunlight it receives.
A hotter, more intense sun will cause the color to unify at a faster rate; whereas less heat and less sun will slow down the process, allowing you to enjoy your bi-colored blooms for longer.
The roses bloom almost constantly, and the bush is very compact and easy to maintain.
It is almost a thornless rose.
The Archduke Charles rose tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH levels (ranging from 5.6 to 7.8).
Though you will find that your rose bush grows best in a soil that is rich in fertile matter and well-draining, yet still moisture retentive.
5. Mutabilis Rose
Mutabilis rose was introduced in Switzerland by Établissement horticole “Floraire” H. Correvon in 1934, as ‘Mutabilis’.
| COLOR: Yellow To Pink, Ages To Crimson | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 10ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Mutabilis means “change,” and this rose is living proof of China’s ability to change and darken as it ages.
Begins as a yellow rose bush, then changes to an orangey-pink and finally to crimson.
The Mutabilis rose requires a significant amount of spacing in between individual bushes.
Properly spacing your plants will allow the roots to grow uninterrupted, helping your rose bushes reach their full potential.
We recommend spacing your Mutabilis rose bushes 8 feet apart from one another.
When first transplanting your rose bushes, it is important to maintain an even level of moisture throughout; doing so helps mitigate the risk of your bushes experiencing transplant shock.
After the first month, you can lighten up your watering schedule.
We recommend watering when the first few inches of soil have dried up.
6. Ducher Rose
Ducher rose was bred by Claude Ducher in France, before 1859.
| COLOR: White | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Moderate Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Ducher rose is known as the only white China rose.
It is almost thornless which makes it the perfect choice for containers.
The Ducher rose is preferable to moderately warm climates, being hardy to zones 7 through 9.
If you live outside of these zones, you can also grow your Ducher roses in a large pot. Growing in a container is especially convenient because it allows gardeners to move the pot to hotter/colder locations, depending on the weather.
To help prevent diseases associated with rose bushes, we recommend maintaining good air circulation for your Ducher rose.
You can do this by spacing your roses 6 feet apart from one another.
In addition, water your plants at the base of the bush, do your best to avoid overhead watering altogether.
Overhead watering is one of the leading causes of mildew and fungal-based diseases.
7. Martha Gonzales Rose
Martha Gonzales rose was bred by Jean Laffay in France, before 1829.
| COLOR: Crimson To Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Moderate Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Martha Gonzales rose has brilliant single red flowers and it tends to remain a small bush.
It is perfect for a low hedge, container, or border.
Not only is this rose bush comfortable living in the full sun, but the Martha Gonzales also rose grows perfectly fine under partial shade conditions as well.
This rose is a perfect match if your home is situated in either a location that does not receive a lot of light or a location that receives nothing but sunlight!
Your rose bushes will grow best in a soil that is fertile, well-draining, and moisture-retentive.
A few weeks prior to transplanting your roses, work in some organic compost or manure. This will give your roses a boost of nutritional value to encourage vigorous growth.
8. Spice Rose
Spice rose dates from before 1840.
| COLOR: White To Light Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Pepper, Spice Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Spice rose is a drought-tolerant rose variety that has a preference to moderately warm climates.
This variety of rose can grow very easily with little intervention, which makes them the perfect choice for gardeners who are just getting into rose bushes.
Due to their long stems, we highly recommend cutting these flowers for vases or floral arrangements!
Conclusion
For both newcomers and seasoned gardeners, rose bushes might be an intimidating plant to care for.
We’re here to tell you that this is simply not the case. These 8 China rose varieties are not only incredibly beautiful, but they are easy to care for as well.
With the right resources and a little patience, you can tackle any plant that you bring into your garden.
Here are other types of roses you may like:
