The Green Rose
December 2006
The Green Rose
by Mary Peterson
The ‘Green Rose’ or ‘Rosa chinensis monstrosata’, aka ‘Rosa chinensis viridiflora’ was first introduced in England in 1833. This closely resembles an old Chinese garden rose, 'Lü E'. It was apparently growing in South Carolina about 1833 and was being offered by French growers in the 1850s, who received it from America via England.
Some authorities list it as having been in commerce before 1845 or as late as 1856. It may have been exhibited as early as 1743. It is classed by the American Rose Society as a Hybrid China, introduced before 1856, and carries a rating of 7.9. This cultivar shows up frequently in rose shows and on the trophy table as it is a consistent contender for the Dowager Queen award. Some texts list this variety as a possible sport of the China rose ‘Slater’s
Some authorities list it as having been in commerce before 1845 or as late as 1856. It may have been exhibited as early as 1743. It is classed by the American Rose Society as a Hybrid China, introduced before 1856, and carries a rating of 7.9. This cultivar shows up frequently in rose shows and on the trophy table as it is a consistent contender for the Dowager Queen award. Some texts list this variety as a possible sport of the China rose ‘Slater’s
Crimson China’, while others think it is a sport of ‘Old Blush’.
The flower bloom is made up entirely of green sepals rather than petals and can last as long as six weeks making it work well in arrangements. It produces small clusters of 3-6 blooms on a free branching twiggy shrub that produces a tidy bush 2.5’ hgt. and 3’ wide. Do not prune aggressively as the plant may not produce blooms. It is great for pot or container culture. It blooms all season long with flowers that appear to blend in with the foliage where they virtually disappear.
When the bloom is crushed, a peppery scent is produced. The foliage is a bright clear green with a hint of red in young leaves and is quite disease free. The foliage can also be dark green, shiny, toothed and ovate with brown hooked prickles. The long thin leaves end in a sharp point.
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate neglect, poor soil and some shade. It may not be entirely cold hardy in some areas below Zone 5-6. While the ‘Green Rose’ is hardier than most Chinas, it needs special placement and protection as it may die back to the ground each year. Despite this, there are many references to this plant being very long lived in a variety of areas.
Plant pathologists describe this cultivar has having Phyllody, a flower abnormality in which leaf-like structures replace flower organs. Unfortunately, because the bloom has no stamens or stigmas, it would be impossible to use it in any rose hybridizing program as this variety is completely sterile.
Legend tells us that a green rose is magical and can cure disease or save one from near death. It appeals to collectors of novelties, as it is a curious conversation piece.
The flower bloom is made up entirely of green sepals rather than petals and can last as long as six weeks making it work well in arrangements. It produces small clusters of 3-6 blooms on a free branching twiggy shrub that produces a tidy bush 2.5’ hgt. and 3’ wide. Do not prune aggressively as the plant may not produce blooms. It is great for pot or container culture. It blooms all season long with flowers that appear to blend in with the foliage where they virtually disappear.
When the bloom is crushed, a peppery scent is produced. The foliage is a bright clear green with a hint of red in young leaves and is quite disease free. The foliage can also be dark green, shiny, toothed and ovate with brown hooked prickles. The long thin leaves end in a sharp point.
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate neglect, poor soil and some shade. It may not be entirely cold hardy in some areas below Zone 5-6. While the ‘Green Rose’ is hardier than most Chinas, it needs special placement and protection as it may die back to the ground each year. Despite this, there are many references to this plant being very long lived in a variety of areas.
Plant pathologists describe this cultivar has having Phyllody, a flower abnormality in which leaf-like structures replace flower organs. Unfortunately, because the bloom has no stamens or stigmas, it would be impossible to use it in any rose hybridizing program as this variety is completely sterile.
Legend tells us that a green rose is magical and can cure disease or save one from near death. It appeals to collectors of novelties, as it is a curious conversation piece.
