A green rose plant is a sought-after rarity, possessing a subtle and unique beauty that sets it apart from the typical red or pink varieties. Finding these unusual specimens, such as the historical Rosa chinensis ‘Viridiflora’ or modern hybrids, often requires looking beyond conventional garden centers. The difficulty in sourcing them is due to their specialized nature, making a targeted purchasing strategy necessary. This guide will clarify the unique characteristics of these plants and detail the best avenues for acquiring them.
The Nature of Green Roses
The most famous green rose, Rosa chinensis ‘Viridiflora’, is not a product of modern breeding but an ancient natural mutation of the China rose. This variety is unusual because its flower structure is composed entirely of modified sepals, the typically green, leaf-like structures that enclose a bud. This mutation, known as phyllody, means the flower lacks true petals and stamens, resulting in a dense, tufted, and scentless green bloom that persists.
Modern breeders have developed other near-green varieties that do possess traditional petals, often in pale chartreuse or lime hues. Cultivars like ‘Green Ice’, a miniature rose, or the hybrid tea ‘Limelight’ offer a softer, more conventional rose form. These modern varieties achieve their color through higher levels of chlorophyll in their petals, presenting a different aesthetic than the purely sepaled ‘Viridiflora’. Knowing the specific variety you want is important, as their appearances and growth habits vary significantly.
Specialized Online Nurseries
Specialized mail-order nurseries and heirloom plant vendors are the most reliable source for green roses, as they focus on rare and unusual cultivars often ignored by mass-market growers. Searching for nurseries that specialize in “old garden roses,” “heirloom roses,” or “own-root roses” will lead to vendors most likely to carry varieties like ‘Viridiflora’. These niche businesses typically grow a wider selection of unique plants than traditional retailers.
When ordering online, pay attention to the nursery’s shipping policies, particularly the timing of delivery. Many specialty roses are sold as bare-root stock, which means they are shipped dormant, without soil, during the late fall or early spring planting windows. Reading reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of their plants and the reliability of their shipping. A good online nursery will also offer a live plant guarantee or a clear return policy.
Local and General Retail Options
Finding a green rose at a large retail chain or big-box store is highly unlikely, as these outlets prioritize common, high-volume rose cultivars. The roses found in these general stores are typically sold as grafted bare-root roses in plastic bags, often referred to as “bodybag” roses, and their variety selection is limited.
Local, independent garden centers are a better secondary option, especially if they are known for stocking unusual or high-end plants. A local nursery’s staff often possesses the horticultural expertise to help you locate a rare variety or facilitate a special order. If a specific green rose is not in stock, ask the nursery manager if they can source the variety from their wholesale supplier. This method can sometimes secure a plant that is otherwise only available through mail-order.
Crucial Considerations Before Buying
When purchasing a rose, you will generally find plants sold as either bare-root or container-grown. Bare-root roses are dormant plants shipped without soil; they are usually less expensive and offer a wider range of varieties. They are best planted in late winter or early spring before they break dormancy, allowing the plant to focus its initial energy on establishing a strong root system.
Container-grown roses, shipped in soil, can be planted almost any time of the year, offering instant gratification, but the selection of rare varieties is often narrower. Upon receiving a bare-root plant, inspect the canes immediately; they should be plump, firm, and green, not shriveled or brittle. Look for a solid, firm graft union and roots that are moist and turgid.
For any purchase, verify the plant’s identity to ensure you are getting a genuine green variety. Avoid novelty items like a chemically dyed or painted rose, which is sometimes sold around holidays.