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Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ (Green Rose)

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

Green Rose, Rosa Chinensis 'Viridiflora', Rosa 'Viridiflora', Green Roses, Heirloom Roses
Green Rose, Rosa Chinensis 'Viridiflora', Rosa 'Viridiflora', Green Roses, Heirloom 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).


Description

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.


Native Habitat

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.


Plant Type and Habit

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.


Plant Size

This rose is modest in size, typically growing:

  • Height: 2–4 feet (60–120 cm)
  • Width: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm)

Its manageable dimensions make it suitable for small garden spaces or as part of a larger landscape.


Flowers

The flowers of this green rose are its most distinctive and celebrated feature:

  • Color: Bright green blooms with occasional bronze or purplish-brown tones as they age, adding dynamic interest to the plant.
  • Size: Medium-sized blooms, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, composed of dense, layered structures.
  • Shape: Unique rosette-shaped blooms formed entirely of petal-like green and brown bracts that deepen in color over time.
  • Fragrance: None, with its charm derived from its striking and unconventional appearance.
  • Blooming Season: Repeat-blooming from late spring through late autumn, producing consistent flushes of blooms that provide ongoing visual intrigue.

Foliage

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.


Hardiness

Rosa ‘Viridiflora’ thrives in USDA Zones 7-10, making it adaptable to a range of temperate climates.


Uses

This green rose is a versatile and eye-catching rose, valued for its aesthetic and practical uses:

  • Ornamental Gardening: Perfect for formal rose gardens, mixed borders, containers, and modern landscapes.
  • Cut Flowers: Adds an unconventional yet striking element to floral arrangements.
  • Focal Planting: Its unique blooms make it a standout feature in any garden design.
  • Novelty Gardens: Ideal for gardeners seeking rare and unusual plant specimens.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.


Toxicity

This heirloom rose is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens.


Invasiveness

This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.

Green Rose, Rosa Chinensis 'Viridiflora', Rosa 'Viridiflora', Green Roses, Heirloom Roses


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Light Requirement

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.


Soil

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.


Water

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.


Fertilizer

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.


Pruning

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.


Propagation

Propagate using several methods:

  • Softwood Cuttings: Take cuttings in early to mid-spring when new growth is tender.
  • Hardwood Cuttings: Collect mature, dormant stems for propagation in late summer to autumn.
  • Chip Budding: Perform chip budding in summer to graft a bud onto a rootstock for successful reproduction.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Although this heirloom rose is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:

Pest Resistance

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.

Disease Resistance

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.

Prevention and Care

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.

Requirements

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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rosa Orange Glow™ Knock Out® (Shrub Rose)
Rosa White Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Lemon Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Buttercream Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa Blushing Drift® (Groundcover Rose)
Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar)

Recommended Companion Plants

Nepeta racemosa (Catmint)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Delphinium
Digitalis (Foxglove)
Paeonia (Peonies)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Shrub Roses)
Not sure which Rosa (Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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