The Tea Rose is a class of cultivated shrub roses, known for their delicate form and profound impact on modern rose breeding. This term refers to varieties of Rosa odorata and its early hybrids, a group of Old Garden Roses that originated in East Asia. These flowers introduced traits previously unseen in European roses, fundamentally changing horticultural standards. The Tea Rose classification is distinct from the later Hybrid Tea roses, which are the most common type of rose grown today.
Historical Origins and Naming
The introduction of the Tea Rose to the Western world occurred in the early 19th century. These species roses, primarily Rosa odorata, were native to China, where they had been cultivated for centuries. The first documented arrival in Europe occurred around 1810 when ‘Hume’s Blush’ was successfully shipped to England by an agent of the East India Company.
Subsequent introductions, such as ‘Park’s Yellow’ 14 years later, further established this new class in European collections. These early imports were often sourced from the famous Fa Tee Nursery in Canton, establishing a direct link between Chinese horticulture and Western breeding programs. Their arrival was significant because they possessed the ability to bloom repeatedly, a trait known as recurrent flowering, which was largely absent in most European roses.
The name “Tea Rose” has two explanations related to their Chinese origin. The most popular theory suggests the name derived from the flower’s subtle, complex fragrance, which was thought to resemble the scent of newly opened chests of Chinese black tea. Another possibility is that the name arose because the roses were often shipped to Europe packed in crates similar to those used for transporting tea.
Defining Physical Characteristics
Tea Roses are distinguished by traits that set them apart from other rose classes of the era. Their blooms are generally large and full, often displaying a classic spiral form with a high center, though they appear more loosely formed than their modern descendants. The soft color palette includes shades of cream, pale yellow, blushing pink, and apricot, which were new to Western gardens.
A notable feature of the Tea Rose is its tendency for “nodding” or drooping flower heads. This occurs because the slender pedicels, or flower stalks, are often too weak to support the weight of the large, heavily petalled blossoms. Tea Roses exhibit recurrent blooming, providing flushes of flowers throughout the growing season.
The signature scent is often described as light and elusive, sometimes having musky or spicy undertones, distinct from the strong fragrance of Damask roses. Tea Roses typically grow as larger shrubs, often reaching heights of three to six feet, and are known for their preference for warmer climates.
Genetic Influence on Modern Roses
The most enduring legacy of the Tea Rose lies in its contribution to the creation of the modern rose. During the mid-19th century, European hybridizers began crossing the newly introduced Tea Roses with the robust, large-flowered Hybrid Perpetuals. This cross combined the traits of both parents to produce an entirely new class of rose.
The result of this breeding was the Hybrid Tea class, which began with the introduction of ‘La France’ in 1867. The Tea Rose parent provided several genetic elements that the Hybrid Perpetuals lacked. Most importantly, it contributed the gene for recurrent blooming, ensuring the new roses would flower continuously from early summer until the first frost.
Additionally, the Tea Rose passed on the elegant, high-centered bloom form and the long, slender bud shape, which is highly valued in cut flowers. The Hybrid Perpetuals conferred greater cold hardiness and a more upright growth habit to the offspring. This combination of recurrent bloom, elegant shape, and hardiness led Hybrid Teas to supplant the older varieties and become the dominant type of rose grown worldwide.