Roses are the queens of flowers, the most famous, loved, iconic flowering plants in the world. But they are “picky,” and in many places, you cannot grow them.
For the best show of flowers, rose bushes should receive six hours of sunlight daily and need to be planted too close to trees and in well-drained acidic soil.
But if you live the shape of the rose flower, do you need to do without? The answer is no: there are some flowers that look like roses, but they are not roses.
The rose flower shape, as we mean, it is not unique to this plant. Different types of flowering plant species with a similar rose-like appearance tend to be more attractive in your garden.
Flowers like peony, camellia, dahlia, begonias, and ranunculus have the appearance of a rose, and you can grow them where roses won’t grow.
If you are looking for the best choice of flowers that look like roses, you have come to the right place. We have selected the top 10 flowering plants that have blooms with the typical shape and look of double roses.
Just read on if you want to know about them and learn to grow them too!
Top 10 Plants With Rose-Like Flowers
Here are 10 rose-like flowers that look just as good (if not better) than the common roses in your garden.
1: Lisianthus (Eustoma Grandiflorum)
Look at a lisianthus and you will think it is a rose! The cup shaped double flowers of this plant in fact must be some of the closest “initiation” of the mist famous of flowers.
They are not as full of petals as some roses are, in fact you can see the the stamens and the carpel (the inner part of the flower). Apart from this, the petals have the same look as those of roses, and they even match them in elegance.
They come in different colors – actually the range is impressive, from white to purple. Dichromatic petals are very common too, especially white petals with brightly colored tips (purple, blue or pink).
The purple and violet range is possibly its strongest, but there are varieties with pastel and watercolor tints, like lemon and rose shades.
Lisianthus is a tender perennial which you can grow as an annual in colder climates. However, the plants are not as big as rose shrubs, so it is much more suitable to flower beds, borders and even containers if you wish.
- Hardiness:it is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10.
- Light exposure:full Sun
- Blooming season:spring.
- Size:from 6 to 40 inches in height (15 to 100 cm) and up to 14 inches in spread (36 cm).
- Soil requirements:it likes well drained but constantly humid soil. Loam to clay soil is fine, but it does not tolerate sandy soil. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0.
2: Camellia (Camellia Spp.)
Camellia is one of the most famous, popular and beautiful flowers that look almost like roses. And like roses, but unlike lisianthus, it forms beautiful bushes that can grow to a considerable size.
They have stunning, waxy and very decorative deep green foliage too. But of course it is the flowers of camellias that we all love.
They cone in the range from white to pink and red; some are strikingly romantic and some add an oriental touch to them. There are so many varieties, some have smaller flowers, from 1.5 inches (4 cm) to 7 inches (18 cm) across.
They will grow well in acidic soil, and if you have a sick plant, the chances are that the soil need a few cups of tea, or some organic acidic fertilizer.
Symptoms that they need acidity are yellow leaves and blooms that dry up before opening. On the other hand, unlike roses, youcan grow camellias in poorly lit places, even under trees!
- Hardiness:they are usually hardy to USDA zones 7 to 9.
- Light exposure:partial shade and full shade.
- Blooming season:fall to spring, depending on the variety and on where you lice.
- Size:usually about 10 foot tall (3 meters) and 6 wide (1.8 meters) but some can reach twice as much.
- Soil requirements:very well drained loam or sandy loam and even fertile clay. The pH must stay under 6.5, ideally between 5.0 and 6.5.
3: Ranunculus (Ranunculus Spp.)
Of all the rose looking flowers, ranunculus has the “old world” pompon shaped rose look. The petals of ranunculus are also plenty and thick, giving you that “old world” look you get from rose varieties like ‘Pomponella’ or ‘Pompon Flower Circus’.
These are shapes that look perfect in traditional looking and informal gardens. Cottage gardens, naturalistic settings and romantic flower beds and hedges are perfect for ranunculus.
They are fairly short plants, though, so you cannot use them to recreate the shrub presence of roses. On other hand, they offer a wide range of colors to choose from.
There are varieties of all colors, white, yellow, orange, pink, purple and even blue. Usually these are very vibrant colors, but some varieties have more delicate ones, like peach and apricot, perfect for romance.
- Hardiness:it is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
- Light exposure:full Sun or partial shade.
- Blooming season:late spring and early summer.
- Size:1 to 2 feet tall and in spread (30 to 60 cm).
- Soil requirements:well drained loam, clay or sandy soil with pH preferably between 6.0 and 6.5.
4: Gardenia (Gardenia Spp.)
Another queen of gardens that looks like a rose, so much so that it is named after the word “garden” itself is beautiful gardenia.
The stunningly elegant and beautiful flowers of gardenia are some of the most recognizable around the world.Usually white, delicately arranged and soft looking, they have become synonymous with the word “flower” itself.
The double flowers look like roses, while the single ones are closer to jasmine, of course. The leaves are dark green, elliptical and very valuable to bring depth and a bold but natural texture to gardens. They form small shrubs, which can partly replace those of short roses.
Like camellias, they adapt to part shade positions and they do appreciate acidic soil too This makes them a perfect substitute to roses in conditions that make growing them impossible.
- Hardiness:it is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 11.
- Light exposure:it is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 11.
- Blooming season:late spring to summer.
- Size:up to about 5 feet tall (150 cm) and 4 feet in spread (120 cm).
- Soil requirements:loam, clay or sand based soil with pH between 5.0 and 6.5, and never above 6.5.
5: Double Impatiens (Impatiens Spp.)
Maybe you had not imagined that impatiens can look like a rose? In fact, single ones don’t. But have a look at double ones and you will immediately find a striking resemblance with the Queen of Flowers.
What is more, they have a range of colors that comprises many of the delicate shades of white, off white, rose and pink. But they also have varieties with deep red, strong pink and vibrant orange.
As you know, impatiens are very generous bloomer that will fill with a sea of flower heads that almost cover the rich, lush, green and beautiful foliage of these fairly short plants.
They are ideal for flower beds, borders but also containers, and they are one of the few flowering plants that can givewonderful blooms in full shade.
- Hardiness:they are hardy to USDA zones 2 to 11 but they are usually grown as annuals.
- Light exposure:full Sun, partial shade or full shade.
- Blooming season:spring to fall.
- Size:1 to 3 feet in height and spread (30 to 90 cm).
- Soil requirements:very adaptable to well drained loam, clay, chalk or sandy soil with pH ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, but adaptable also to neutral and slightly alkaline soil.
6: Peonies (Paeonia Spp.)
We meet another classic rose looking flower: peony. This is a small herbaceous shrub forming perennial with very decorative foliage that can change color, green to purple, a bit like that of roses.
In fact, of all the plants in this list, peony us the one whose leaves look more close to those of rose shrubs.
But of course it is the flowers that we most notice. And peonies offer wonderful cup shaped double flowers in strong and vibrant color, like flaming red, orange and yellow, but also in less “decided” shades, including all the pink to rose hues. They areideal for containers. borders and beds in informal gardens of all types.
- Hardiness:they are usually hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8.
- Light exposure:full Sun or partial shade.
- Blooming season:from spring to summer.
- Size:usually between 2 and 3 feet tall and in spread (60 to 90 cm)
- Soil requirements:very adaptable to well drained loam, chalk, clay or sandy soil with pH around the neutral mark, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
7: Carnation (Dianthus Spp.)
Carnations are famous for their intoxicating scent, but look closely and you will note that double ones look like roses. There are so many different varieties of this plant that your choice is huge.
Usually the most common palette is white to dark red via pink. In between the choice of single colors and double ones is huge.
They are very strong, generous and undemanding plants that will survive even with minimal maintenance. Some are very small, but even the big ones never form actual shrubs, so, in that they cannot replace roses.
But the carnation flowers in beds, borders, pots and on the sides of paths and stairs is so hard to resist for any gardner…
- Hardiness:it depends on the variety but usually to USDA zones 5 to 9.
- Light exposure:full Sun.
- Blooming season:spring and summer.
- Size:most are under 1 foot tall and in spread (30 cm) really tall one can reach 3 feet (90 cm).
- Soil requirements:well drained loam, chalk or sandy soil with pH under 7 and ideally between 6.7 and 6.9. It is drought resistant.
8: Begonia (Begonia Spp.)
This list of flowers that look like roses gets even more beautiful with begonia. We all love this wonderfully generous flowering beauty, which we often see in hanging baskets and in window boxes. They are fast growers and undemanding, but they will bloom incessantly for moths on end.
The double ones look like roses and as you know, you can fond many different varieties in all the warm range of colors and in white.
Many are trailing, which makes themideal for pots and hanging baskets, and many have striking foliage too, sometimes of the most impressive color like purple, almost black or even blue and white!
- Hardiness:usually hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11.
- Light exposure:partial shade.
- Blooming season:spring to fall.
- Size:up to 3 foot tall and in spread (90 cm) but usually about 1 foot tall (30 cm) and 2 feet in spread (60 cm).
- Soil requirements:well drained loam or sandy loam with pH between 5.2 and 6.0, but it will tolerate neutral soil.
9: Double Anemone (Anemone Coronaria)
Anemones have some similarities with roses, though they keep their own personality. Double anemones have the special quality of looking like semi-double roses, and in a way they also keep the dog rose kind of look.
But then, the center is of that dark purple blue color that sets them apart. So, they look a bit like an “artist’s impression of an unusual rose that still holds its natural look though”.
They are small, as you know, so they cannot replace rose shrubs. On the other hand, they are very easy to grow and they are very generous with their blooms.
You can find them in all the white to violet range, via red and purple, but you can also find them blue And blue roses do not exist. They are ideal for flower beds and borders in all informal settings, and in cottage gardens they are just a must!
- Hardiness:they are usually hardy yo USDA zones 7 to 10.
- Light exposure:full Sun.
- Blooming season:spring.
- Size:about 1 foot tall and in spread (30 cm).
- Soil requirements:well drained loam or sandy loam with pH between 5.6 and 7.5.
10: Dahlia (Dahlia Spp.)
I would like to close this top 10 of flowers that look like roses with a striking one indeed: dahlia.
There are so many varieties of dahlias, from dwarf ones to giant ones with flower heads that reach one foot (30 cm) in diameter! And this makes them arguably the most “showy” of all the flowers in this list.
Not all dahlias look like roses; some have such regular arrangements of petals that they look more like origami or water lilies. But many doubles do.
They are excellent for borders in particular, where they can bring the rose flower shape well into the late season.
And the colors are striking! Dahlias are mainly known for their rich, passionate and warm palette, with wonderful shades or red, orange and purple.
- Hardiness:it depends on the species, usually to USDA zones 8 to 11.
- Light exposure:full Sun.
- Blooming season:summer and fall, till the first frost usually.
- Size:the tallest can reach 6 foot tall (180 cm) and 3 feet in spread (90 cm) though most species are smaller.
- Soil requirements:well drained and moist loam, clay or sandy soil with pH between 6.6 and 7.0 ideally but adaptable to slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soil too.
Not Just Roses
What a lovely stroll in a rose garden have we just had? Oh, no, it wasn’t… Well, if the soil is not right, if the light is not right, if you live by the sea etc.
you may not grow roses, but for sure you can choose one of these wonderful rose looking flowers, and I am sure you will fall in love with the pm just the same!
Adriano Bulla
After many years as an academic in London, Adriano Bulla became a writer, publishing books like A History of Gardening, Organic Gardening and Elements of Garden Design; he then decided to become a gardener, following his childhood dream, and has been following his dream writing and gardening professionally in Southern Europe, where he has specialized in new and innovative organic gardening fields and techniques, like permaculture, regenerative agriculture, food forests and hydroponics.
FAQs
What are the 10 plants? ›
- Bananas (Rainforest Biome) The banana is a very important staple food crop in the tropics. ...
- Bamboo (Rainforest Biome) ...
- Cacao (Rainforest Biome) ...
- Coffee (Rainforest Biome) ...
- Cotton (Mediterranean Biome) ...
- Oil palm (Rainforest Biome) ...
- Olive (Mediterranean Biome) ...
- Rice (Rainforest Biome)
The rose family is considered one of the six most economically important crop plant families, and includes apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats, almonds, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, sloes, and roses.
How many types of rose flowers are there? ›With over 150 species of roses and thousands of hybrids, roses can be found in nearly every color and a variety of shapes. To show you just how expansive the rose family is, we created a compendium of popular garden roses containing over 100 different types of blooms.
What is the closest flower to a rose? ›Carnations
Carnations are probably the most similar counterpart to roses. These flowers feature stunning, frilly petals and they look incredibly romantic when presented in a bouquet. Like roses, Carnations are known to be a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and most importantly, love.
- Herbs. Herbs are short-sized plants with soft, green, delicate stems without woody tissues. ...
- Shrubs. Shrubs are medium-sized, woody plants taller than herbs and shorter than a tree. ...
- Trees. Trees are big and tall plants. ...
- Climbers. Climbers are much more advanced than creepers. ...
- Creepers.
- Trees.
- Flowers.
- Moss.
- Grasses.
- Algae.
Harvesting Rose Apple - YouTube
What fruit is a rose? ›Rosehips The Edible Fruit Of The Rose Facts, Identification, History ...
Are black roses real? ›Black roses do not exist naturally, although plant developers have managed to darken the color on some selections. The flower pictured here is Rosa 'Almost Black. ' As you can see, the cultivar name is fanciful, as it's just a dark red color.
Is there a blue rose? ›Although blue roses do not exist in nature, florists can produce blue-hued flowers by placing cut roses in dye. Also, in a painstaking 20-year effort, biotechnologists made a "blue rose" through a combination of genetic engineering and selective breeding. However, the rose is more mauve-colored than blue.
What flowers look the same? ›
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), Summer Snapdragons (Angelonia augustifolia) and yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) have flowers that look similar, although a close look at these plants reveals their differences.
What can I plant instead of roses? ›- Dahlia. Dahlias are showy, large flowers that really stand out in the garden. ...
- Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) ...
- Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) ...
- Peony (Paeonia) ...
- Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) ...
- Azalea (Rhododendron) ...
- Chrysanthemum. ...
- Camellia (Camellia spp.)
X Sedeveria 'Green Rose' - This intergeneric hybrid was made from a cross of Sedum pachyphyllum with Echeveria derenbergii. It has green rosettes that are perfectly symetrical, looking like green rose flowers. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade in a well-drained soil.
What are trees give 10 examples? ›Examples of trees : Mango, Neem, Banyan (Peepal), jamun, Palm, Teak, Oak, sandalwood and Coconut.
What are climbers give 10 examples? ›Examples of climbers are Sweet gourd (petha), Bitter gourd (Karela), Bottle ground (Lauki), Grapevine Passionflower, and Glory lily.
What are the examples of flower plant? ›Flowering plant
What are the 4 types of plants? ›- Flowering Plants: Plants which bare flowers are called flowering plants. Examples are: Orchids, Roses, Sunflowers, etc.
- Non-Flowering Plants: Plants which do not bare flowers are known as non-flowering plants. Examples are: Ferns, Mosses, etc.
Carnations
Carnation flowers look really like roses. And with their pretty frilly petals, they look oh-so romantic in a bouquet. Which is just as well, because carnations symbolise happiness and love!
| Rosa | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Subfamily: | Rosoideae |
| Genus: | Rosa L. |
Trees that bear fruit in the rose family are: apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots and peaches. Also, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are all members of the Rosacea Family.
Is strawberry a rose? ›
strawberry, (genus Fragaria), genus of more than 20 species of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae) and their edible fruit. Strawberries are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and cultivated varieties are widely grown throughout the world.
Are roses edible? ›Edible Plants: Wild Rose - YouTube
Is Rose Apple poisonous? ›Word of Caution: The stems, seeds, and leaves of certain cultivars can be highly toxic and contain trace amounts of cyanide. Consume rose apples from trusted markets and avoid excessive consumption of other parts of the fruit besides the flesh and the skin.
Is apple a flower? ›The apple is called a false fruit as the apple develops from the thalamus of the flower, which forms the thick basal structure of the flower.
Can u eat rose hips? ›How to eat Rose Hips - Important Tip - YouTube
What are the 3 types of plants? ›The herb is a short-sized plant with soft, green, delicate stem without the woody tissues. ... Shrubs. Shrubs are medium-sized, woody plants taller than herbs and shorter than a tree. ... Creepers.
What is common plant? ›Common plant names or common names of plants, also called vernacular names, local names, and country names, are the names used to refer to specific plants as contrasted to scientific names, botanical plant names, or Latin names.
What are the 2 main types of plants? ›Plants can be divided into two groups: flowering plants, for example, sunflowers, orchids, and most types of tree. The other group is nonflowering plants, which includes mosses and ferns. All plants make their own food, taking energy from sunlight.
What are the 4 types of plants? ›- Flowering Plants: Plants which bare flowers are called flowering plants. Examples are: Orchids, Roses, Sunflowers, etc.
- Non-Flowering Plants: Plants which do not bare flowers are known as non-flowering plants. Examples are: Ferns, Mosses, etc.
There are over 400,000 flowering plant species across the world, producing a variety of types of flowers in a range of colors and shades and in all different shapes and sizes.
What are examples of flowering plants? ›
Flowering plant
What are the 10 uses of plants? ›- Plants provide us food, like fruits, vegetables, etc.
- Plants provide us medicines.
- Plants provide shade during hot, sunny days.
- Plants help to reduce soil erosion.
- Plants prevent air pollution.
- Plants provide paper.
- Plants are a good source of wood and timber.
Examples of trees : Mango, Neem, Banyan (Peepal), jamun, Palm, Teak, Oak, sandalwood and Coconut.
What is the most famous plant? ›DEADLY Carnivorous Plants! (World's Most Spectacular Plants episode 3 ...
Which two flowers that grow on trees? ›- Grow on trees - Golden showers and Gulmohar.
- Grow on bushes - Hibiscus and Rose.
- Grow on creepers - Jasmine and Snow white.
- Grow on water plants - Lotus and Water-Lilies.
Hydrangea. One of the most popular garden plants that have green flowers is hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are a popular garden plant.
What are plants for Class 1? ›Plants are an important part of nature. They can survive on land and underwater. We get many things from the plants that are very useful like food, wood, paper, etc. Mostly our foods come from plants like fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, etc.
What are simple plants? ›What is a Plant? All About Plants for Kids - FreeSchool - YouTube
What are the 7 classifications of plants? ›The classification system groups, in order from largest to smallest, are kingdom, phylum or division, class, order, family, genus, and species (Figure 2).