Rose vs Chinese Rose: Discover their Differences Now!

During holidays, especially occasions like Valentine’s Day and Chinese Valentine’s Day (May 20th), roses are in high demand at flower shops. Many people purchase bouquets of roses for their significant others.

There’s a common belief that most roses sold are actually China roses, with “true” roses being rare. However, many people are unaware of the differences between roses and China roses.

Let’s explore the distinctions between roses and China roses, and determine if they are indeed the same flower.

Differences between Roses and China Roses:

Stems:
Roses have more flexible, slender stems with numerous small, closely spaced thorns.
China roses possess sturdier stems with fewer, larger thorns compared to roses.

Leaves:
Rose leaves are elongated, yellow-green with multiple folds and a whitish underside. They typically have 5 to 9 leaflets, giving the branches a longer appearance with clustered foliage.
China rose leaves are dark green, glossy, and more rounded. They usually have 3 to 5 leaflets, resulting in shorter branches and more dispersed foliage.

Fragrance:
Roses generally have a stronger, more complex fragrance, with all varieties being scented.
China roses vary in fragrance intensity; some cultivars are strongly scented while others have little to no fragrance.

Blooming Period:
Roses typically have a shorter blooming period, primarily from late spring to early summer (May to June).
China roses, with proper care and suitable temperatures, can bloom throughout the year.

Flower Habit:
Rose flowers tend to nod or droop slightly after fully opening due to their softer stems.
China roses generally maintain an upright position when in bloom.

Vase Life:
Cut roses tend to have a shorter vase life and wilt more quickly.
China roses often have a longer vase life when used as cut flowers.

Uses:
Roses are versatile, used for bouquets, rose water, rose tea, rose jam, and essential oil extraction.
China roses are primarily used as ornamental plants and cut flowers.

Are Roses and China Roses the Same Flower?

China roses and roses are not the same flower and can be differentiated as follows:

Roses (Rosa spp.) and China roses (Rosa chinensis) are distinct species within the Rosa genus, but they are not the same flower. They can be differentiated as follows:

Leaf Characteristics:
Rose leaves have rounded edges with fine serrations. The upper surface is dark green, while the underside is grayish-green with visible venation.
China rose leaves are more circular with a pointed tip and serrated edges. The upper surface is dark green, and the underside is lighter green.

Flower Characteristics:
Roses come in various colors, including shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. Their petals are typically oval-shaped with a diameter of about 4-5.5cm. Most varieties are notably fragrant.
China roses offer a wide color range, including red, white, pink, and bicolor varieties. Their petals often have a small notch at the tip and a wedge-shaped outline. The flowers are generally larger than typical roses, with a lighter fragrance.

Stem Characteristics:
Rose stems have numerous, densely packed thorns with straight tips. Fine hairs may also be present on the stem.
China rose stems are smoother with fewer, larger thorns. The thorns often have a slight curve at the tip.

Understanding these differences can help gardeners and flower enthusiasts appreciate the unique qualities of both roses and China roses, enabling better selection for specific gardening or floral design purposes.