Green Rose, Rosa chinensis 'Viridiflora', Rose 'Bengale à Fleurs Vertes', Rose 'Bengale du Japon', Rose 'Bengale verte', Rose 'Green Calyx', La Rose Verte,Rosa chinensis f. viridiflora, Rosa Verde, Rosa 'Viridis', Shrub Roses
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’, also known as the “Green Rose,” is one of the most unique and intriguing heirloom roses, prized for its unusual, petal-like green sepals and historical significance. This remarkable rose, dating back to the mid-19th century, is a sport of Rosa chinensis (China Rose) and represents a fascinating departure from traditional rose blooms. Its name, Viridiflora, translates to “green flower,” perfectly encapsulating its botanical peculiarity and artistic appeal.
Unlike most roses, Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ does not produce traditional petals. Instead, its green sepals form a layered rosette that mimics the appearance of a flower. Its distinctive structure, combined with its resistance to pests and diseases, makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an unconventional yet hardy addition to their landscape.
Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ is a deciduous shrub rose distinguished by its entirely green blooms. The “flowers” are actually composed of modified sepals, giving them a textured, leaf-like appearance. While lacking the soft colors typically associated with roses, its intricate and verdant blooms add a unique charm, with long-lasting flowers that provide extended seasonal interest.
This rose is especially popular among gardeners and floral designers for its ability to add texture and novelty to arrangements and gardens. Blooming from late spring through fall, this green rose offers a continuous display of fascinating, green-tinted blooms.
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ originated as a sport of Rosa chinensis, a species native to East Asia, particularly China. It was first discovered in the mid-19th century and quickly gained recognition for its one-of-a-kind appearance. Its lineage links it to the ancient Chinese roses that have shaped modern rose cultivation, making it a living testament to the diversity and adaptability of the genus Rosa.
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ is an almost thornless deciduous shrub rose with an upright, bushy growth habit. Its compact size and well-branching structure make it an excellent choice for mixed borders, formal gardens, and containers.
This rose is modest in size, typically growing:
Its manageable dimensions make it suitable for small garden spaces or as part of a larger landscape.
The flowers of this green rose are its most distinctive and celebrated feature:
The foliage of healthy, glossy mid-green leaves provides a subtle but elegant backdrop to the unusual blooms. The leaves are pinnate with serrated edges, typical of many rose varieties. Together with the green “flowers,” the overall effect is lush and textural.
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ thrives in USDA Zones 7-10, making it adaptable to a range of temperate climates.
This green rose is a versatile and eye-catching rose, valued for its aesthetic and practical uses:
Deer and rabbits can cause damage.
This heirloom rose is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens.
This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer blooms in lower light conditions.
This heirloom rose prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) provides ideal growing conditions.
Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Supplement with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or weak wood. During the growing season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Annual pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and vigor.
Propagate using several methods:
Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:
This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.
Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.
Regular monitoring, proper pruning, and ensuring good air circulation can minimize risks. Applying organic pest control measures and treating fungal infections early with fungicides are essential to maintaining healthy roses.
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Shrub Rose |
Common names | Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Roses, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Shrub Rose |
Common names | Rose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
How many Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ (Green Rose) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ (Green Rose) | N/A | Buy Plants |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!