Tea rose - Rosa odorata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Tea rose

Tea rose (Rosa odorata) is a plant species native to Yunnan in Southwest China. Tea rose is most commonly considered a hybrid species between Rosa gigantea and Rosa chinensis. Wild forms of this species are sometimes cultivated for ornamental purposes. Tea rose has been cultivated in China since ancient times.

Scientific classification

Species

Tea rose (Rosa odorata)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Vine, Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

1.5 m

Plant Height

1.2 m

Spread

Red

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Tea rose

Distribution of Tea rose

Distribution Map

Tea rose is originally native to the Indo-China region of Southeast Asia. It has been introduced and cultivated in various parts of the world, including South Asia, Central and South America, and East Asia. Tea rose has also been established in southern parts of Africa, indicating a broad adaptability to different climates and regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Sometimes known as the butterfly rose, tea rose provides plenty of nectar and honey, making it perfect for pollinator gardens or even cottage gardens. This shrub works well in sunny hedges or garden borders, along pathways and fences. The colorful, fragrant blooms appear throughout the summer and autumn, and the foliage can last much of the year in warm climates.

Symbolism

Yellow: Friendship, apology, intense emotion, undying love; Pink: Grace

Interesting Facts

When tea roses from China were cross-bred with European varieties at the end of the eighteenth century, their genes improved the length of flowering, range of colors, and range of scents of the local roses. The hybrids, in turn, had stronger stems than the tea roses, which tended to have droopy heads, and were more frost-hardy.

Name Story

Tea rose: The original tea rose smelt like black China tea, and “odorata” refers to its perfume.

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Care Guide for Tea rose

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Tea rose thrives in well-drained soil with consistent moisture, resembling its native habitat's rainfall. Moderately drought-tolerant, it prefers stable humidity. Water every three weeks to prevent over-saturation. Typically grown outdoors, tea rose requires careful watering for robust flowering and optimal growth.

Fertilize: Fertilize tea rose every 4-6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizers, reducing in winter. Adjust quantities according to product guidelines to avoid root burn. Water before applying for better nutrient absorption. Proper fertilization promotes health, vibrancy, and disease resistance in tea rose.

Pruning: Tea rose thrives with careful early spring pruning, targeting dead or diseased wood and thinning crowded stems. This promotes air circulation and healthier growth, leading to more abundant flowering and reduced pest issues for a vigorous, attractive plant.

Propagation: To propagate tea rose, use healthy, non-flowering cuttings. Trim just below a node, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in sterile potting mix. Maintain moisture and humidity, covering with plastic for indirect light. Roots typically develop in 4 to 8 weeks before transplanting.

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