Roses have a history deeply intertwined with their origins in China, a foundational source for global horticulture and cultural expression. For millennia, roses have held a cherished place in Chinese society, cultivated for their aesthetic appeal and profound symbolic meanings. The impact of these Chinese roses, particularly in the 18th century, catalyzed a significant transformation in rose breeding worldwide, influencing the diverse array of roses cultivated today.
The China Rose (Rosa chinensis)
The China Rose, Rosa chinensis, is native to south and central China, cultivated for over a thousand years. This woody, deciduous shrub typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall. Rosa chinensis has less thorny stems than many other rose species, and its flowers appear in white, pink, yellow, and red, often changing color as they mature.
A key trait of the China Rose is its perpetual blooming habit, flowering repeatedly from spring until frost. This differed significantly from most European roses, which bloomed only once. The introduction of specific China Roses, such as ‘Old Blush,’ to Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries marked a turning point in rose breeding. These introductions brought repeat-blooming, new color ranges, forms, and a tea-like fragrance to Western horticulture.
Other Notable Chinese Rose Species
Rosa gigantea, often considered the largest rose species, is native to the Himalayan foothills in northeast India, northern Myanmar, and southwest China. This vigorous climber can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet in warm climates, ascending into tree crowns using stout, hooked thorns, and can develop a trunk up to 20 inches in diameter. Its flowers, the largest of any wild rose, measure 4 to 5.5 inches in diameter and appear in white, creamy, or yellow.
Rosa banksiae, or Lady Banks’ Rose, is native to central and western China. This vigorous, rambling shrub or vine is nearly thornless. It produces a profusion of small, fragrant flowers, typically about 0.75 inches wide, in clusters of white or pale yellow. Lady Banks’ Rose is among the earliest roses to bloom in spring and has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for centuries.
Rosa multiflora, or Multiflora Rose, is a large, rambling deciduous shrub from northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is characterized by arching stems covered in curved prickles and pinnately compound leaves with 7-9 leaflets. Its small, white to slightly pink flowers, 0.5 to 1 inch across, grow in large clusters with a light fragrance. A distinguishing feature is the fringed stipules at the base of each leaf. These blooms are followed by small red hips that persist into winter, providing food for birds.
Rosa rugosa, known as the Rugosa Rose or Japanese Rose, is native to eastern Asia, including northern China, Korea, and Japan. This suckering shrub forms dense thickets, growing 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, with stems densely covered in short, straight prickles. Its leaves have a distinctly corrugated or wrinkled surface. The flowers, from dark pink to white, are 2 to 3.5 inches wide with a pleasant scent. Rosa rugosa is valued for its disease resistance and tolerance to salt spray, making it suitable for coastal environments. It produces large, edible red hips rich in vitamin C.
The Enduring Legacy: Chinese Roses in Global Cultivation
The introduction of Chinese rose species, particularly Rosa chinensis, to Europe in the late 18th century profoundly shifted global rose cultivation. Before their arrival, most European roses bloomed only once a year. The China Rose’s perpetual blooming habit, compact growth, and diverse color palette, including reds and yellows, revolutionized Western rose breeding. This genetic contribution provided breeders with previously unavailable traits.
Chinese roses’ continuous blooming formed the foundation for many modern rose classes. European breeders hybridized these Chinese species with existing European roses, combining new traits with traditional varieties’ hardiness and form. This led to new categories like Hybrid Perpetuals, which became dominant in Victorian England, emerging from crosses incorporating Asian repeat-blooming characteristics with old European lineages.
Subsequently, Hybrid Tea roses, the most common cultivated rose today, arose from crosses between Hybrid Perpetuals and fragrant, repeat-blooming Tea roses (also with Chinese genetics). This hybridization resulted in roses with large, high-centered blooms on long stems, combining their parents’ best traits. Chinese genetics’ influence is evident in the continuous flowering and vibrant colors of these modern hybrids, transforming roses worldwide.
Roses in Chinese Culture and Symbolism
Roses hold deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition, dating back thousands of years. Often called “the queen of flowers” in China, their cultivation history spans over 2,000 years. In classical Chinese art, literature, and philosophy, roses are frequently depicted, embodying various symbolic meanings, often associated with beauty, love, and passion.
In Chinese literature, the rose frequently serves as a metaphor for romantic affection and longing, with poets using its vivid imagery to convey intense emotions. Beyond romance, roses also symbolize the transient nature of beauty and life, reflecting an appreciation for fleeting moments. They can also represent virtue or moral beauty in characters within stories and poetry. In broader cultural contexts, roses symbolize eternal spring and longevity, and are seen as emblems of friendship and peace.
Specific colors of roses also carry particular meanings. Pink roses symbolize joy and sweet love, while white roses represent peace. Yellow roses are associated with friendship and unity, and red roses are strongly linked to passion and love, making them a popular choice for romantic expressions. The number of roses given can also convey specific messages; for instance, three roses signify “I love you,” and nine or ninety-nine roses symbolize long-lasting relationships due to a phonetic similarity in Chinese. Roses have also been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and their hips are consumed in various forms.