Roses are beautiful, without a doubt! But did you know that there are other flowers out there that look just like roses? In this post, I’ll be exploring some of the different flowers around the globe that can pass as roses – and trust me when I say they’re gorgeous!
So let’s start off our journey together and see what other floral surprises await us.
Roses are iconic flowers with their velvety petals and sweet scent, but there are other flowers that look like roses without having any of the same characteristics. These rose-look-alike often have similar shapes and colors, offering gardeners a unique way to get the classic look of roses without any of the maintenance.
With many varieties that span every color of the rainbow and common shapes, these alternatives to traditional roses can bring a romantic touch to a garden.
To get started creating a dramatic floral display, here are some flowers that look like roses:
Most Popular Rose Look-Alike Flowers
Roses have long been a symbol of beauty and affection. While they may be the most popular flowering plants in the world, there are many other flowers that share similarities with roses.
Here are some of the top rose look-alikes:
1. Carnations
Carnations have petals fluted and finely fringed, making an undeniable likeness to roses. They come in a range of colors, but reds and pinks are especially fitting for a rose-look-alike bouquet.
2. Peonies
Peonies are large and cup-like flowers that come in all shades of pink from pale blush to deep raspberry. Peony petals possess a ruffled texture similar to roses, particularly memorable when accented by green foliage.
3. Gerbera Daisies
The modified petals of gerbera daisies can often resemble miniature versions of rose petals. In many cases, gerberas can provide more vibrant colors than roses but their short stem makes them useful as accents or filler in an arrangement versus the statement agent usually provided by roses.
4. Anemone
Anemones mimic the round shape with cream centers and fairly uniform size that characterizes many species of roses, making them easy substitutes with simple upkeep requirements to boot!
5. Callas Lilies
These lily blossoms lack petal edges but make up for it with attractive coloration – as both white and pink blooms grow on separate stems, similar hues side-by-side is not impossible!
6. Gomphrena Globosa
This annual flower is covered in papery blooms atop linear stems that are often mistaken for those cultivated by rose plants! Bodacious Gomphrena globosa grows clustered together yet looks like individual buds like classic varieties of voluptuous velveteen roses.
7. Crape Myrtle
This showy bloomer produces lovely clusters of small, ruffled petals in various shades such as white, pink, lavender and red. It blooms over an extended period during summer and fall and doesn’t require pruning or deadheading to maintain its shape.
8. Potentilla
Characterized by its single petals surrounding yellow centers, Potentilla resembles miniature flouncy roses and comes in white as well as several shades of pink. Potentilla is drought tolerant once it’s established and blossoms reliably yearly.
9. Geraniums
This popular bloomer produces big clusters of brightly colored flat-shaped petals on long stems and looks remarkably like tiny wild roses when not fully opened up yet. Geraniums have attractive foliage all season long but may require pinching spent blooms to keep producing new ones through the season.
10. Nasturtium
A vivid flower for garden beds or containers, Nasturtium has large vibrant orange blooms with yellow centers that resemble miniature roses. These heat-loving annuals bloom for much of the summer.
11. Heather
Known for its mounding purple or white blossoms that look like tiny rose buds in early winter and spring, this low-maintenance evergreen is easy to grow and a classic addition to rock gardens. Heather’s rose-like flowers will often bloom through the season and even extend into winter.
12. Begonia
The white and pink blossoms on these flowers are very similar to roses in color as well as in number of petals that form each individual bloom. The lively colors lend themselves well as beds impressive container plants both indoors and out all summer long into autumn.
13. Fuchsia
Adorable pastel varieties reminiscent of old-fashioned roses make fuchsia popular choices in gardens from spring until late fall if temperatures remain mild enough. Easily grown from cuttings, these trailing plants also make attractive hanging baskets with their nodding clusters of small bell-shaped blooms in shades ranging from rosy pinkish purples to near reds whites in with hints of yellows and blues all paired against lush green foliage below.
14. Chrysanthemums
Surprises come ever so often when it comes to chrysanthemums; the many varieties bring forth an abundance of differently shaped flower known as daisy-like disc florets surrounded by showy ray petals which kind of recall miniature petaled blooms like cabbage roses although on a smaller scale.
Planting flowers that look like roses can give your garden unique depth without having regard for color schemes or types of plants—they all look beautiful together! When selecting what type of flower to plant where, consider soil requirements certain plants may need such as limey soils or acidity levels for species such as Potentilla or Geraniums that prefer neutral soil environments.
Planting the varieties closer together will help with uniform growth patterns throughout the summer months so it looks more organized later on when weeds start popping up freely throughout the garden beds.
Common Characteristics of Flowers That Look Like Roses
In addition to roses, there are a number of different types of flowers that resemble them in one way or another. Each group has some common characteristics shared between them, although each species within the group may have distinct features.
One group of flowers features multiple petals and sepals that are ruffled or frilled around the edges and often have a strong fragrance. This group includes varieties such as peonies, ranunculus, and anemones. Climbing roses are also a part of this particular group.
Another appealing grouping is made up of flowers that feature many delicate petals concentrated around the center to form the traditional rose shape. Among these varieties, you’ll find Alcea (known as Hollyhocks), chrysanthemums, carnations (which can also be used as filler flowers), and tulips.
The last major form consists of those varieties whose petals form layers that spiral outward from a single center point and often overlap each other slightly on the way out with light touches giving it a streaked effect similar to what you might get when two colors blend together on canvas.
Flowers associated with this type include dahlias, cosmos, gerbera daisies, helianthus (commonly called sunflowers), scabiosa (also known as pincushions) and delphiniums just to name a few.
Some flowers that resemble roses have striped leaves. The best-known examples are probably the impatiens, also called busy Lizzies, which come in many colors including pink and red. Other striped leaf plants that resemble roses include the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria aurea) and the freesia (Freesia refracta).
No matter which type is best suited for your arrangement needs—odds are you will find something among one of these categories that looks similar enough to roses that no one will be able to tell the difference!
Bouquet Flowers That Look Like Roses, but are Cheaper
Though roses may be the quintessential flower to give on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Anniversaries and other special occasions, there are a variety of flowers that look like roses but may cost less or are more readily available. If you’re in search of a rose-like flower for your special occasion, here are several rose doppelgangers to consider:
Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers are most often seen in shades of blue and purple, but can also be found in white, pink, and red. They are trumpet-shaped blooms that grow on long stems, making them popular for cut flowers. Lisianthus typically blooms in late spring or early summer.
Camellia
Camellias are beautiful flowers that have a very similar appearance to roses. They are often used in floral arrangements and make excellent cut flowers. They are native to Asia and the Pacific Islands and there are over 3,000 species of camellia. The most popular variety is the Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica), which is widely cultivated in Japan, China, and Korea.
They are typically evergreen shrubs or small trees and they have glossy, dark green leaves. Their flowers vary in color, but the most common colors are white, pink, or red. Camellias bloom in late winter or early spring and their flowers can last for several weeks.
Double Impatiens
These flowers have a full, lush appearance and come in a variety of colors, making them a perfect choice for any garden. While they don’t have the traditional rose shape, their petals are arranged in a way that gives them a similar look.
The flowers are relatively small, with each bloom typically measuring around 2-3 inches in diameter. Double impatiens are known for their long flowering season and will bloom from spring until fall.
Dahlia
The Dahlia is a flower that is often mistaken for a rose. The two flowers have many similarities, including their large size and showy blooms. However, Dahlia is actually a member of the sunflower family. This flower is native to Mexico and Central America, and it was first introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
Catawba Rhododendron
The Catawba Rhododendron is a type of rose that is native to the Appalachian Mountains. It is a large shrub that can grow to be 10 feet tall and has large, dark green leaves. The flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom in May and June. The Catawba Rhododendron is the state flower of North Carolina.
Cotton Rose Hibiscus
Cotton rose hibiscus is a type of hibiscus that looks like a rose. It has large, showy flowers that are pink, red, or white. The cotton part of its name comes from the fluffy substance that surrounds the seeds. Cotton rose hibiscus is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, but it is also grown as an ornamental plant in many other parts of the world.
Marigolds
If you love roses but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, try marigolds! These flowers come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and red. They have long stems and big, bright petals. Marigolds also have a sweet fragrance that is similar to roses.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for flowers that are similar to roses requires a bit of added attention because many are extremely delicate. The key to successful maintenance is to understand their needs, water them accordingly and protect them from extreme temperatures.
These flowers look similar to real roses, but unlike cultivated roses, many of these flowers cannot tolerate high humidity or heavy rainfall. You’ll need to water them as necessary and protect them from too much rain by using an outdoor umbrella or tarp during periods of heavy rain.
The most important thing for these flowers is exposure to plenty of sunlight so ensure your plant receives at least 6 hours a day. You may also consider fertilizing once or twice per season with the recommendation indicated on the product packaging or following the advice of your local nursery expert when applicable.
Frequent pruning is also essential in order to maintain the vigor and shape of the plants while helping reduce disease risks associated with overcrowded and diseased plants around them. Many types may benefit from pruning every couple of weeks, depending on the type, size and growing conditions so be sure to check regularly for any dead leaves, stem ends folding, stunted growth, etc.
Finally, watch out for typical pests such as aphids, mealy bugs and spider mites which can ultimately ruin your flowering plants if left unchecked. The regular inspection followed promptly by appropriate pest treatment measures can help keep your flowers looking beautiful all season long!
Here’s a bonus video for you, find out which succulents resemble roses:
FAQ
Are Ranunculus a type of rose?
Despite their similar appearance, ranunculus is not a type of rose. Ranunculus are actually a member of the buttercup family, while roses are in the rose family. Both flowers are popular in bouquets and arrangements, but there are some key differences between the two.
What green plant looks like a rose?
Sedeveria ‘Green Rose’ is a green plant that looks like a rose. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is native to Mexico. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in rosettes. The leaves are green with red margins and are covered in small, white hairs. The flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters on the ends of the stems.
Is a Lisianthus a rose?
A lisianthus is not a rose, although the two flowers share some similarities. Both have long stems and delicate blooms, and both are popular choices for bouquets and other arrangements. The main difference between the two is that a lisianthus has trumpet-shaped flowers, while a rose has round petals. Lisianthus also comes in a wider range of colors, including blue and purple, while roses are usually red or pink.
What is a fairy tale rose?
A fairy tale rose is a white or pale pink rose that has been bred to have a very long stem. The flowers are usually very large and have a lot of petals. They are often used in wedding bouquets and other arrangements because of their elegant appearance.
What is the most forgotten flower?
The most forgotten flower is undoubtedly the scabiosa. This delicate little bloom is often overshadowed by more showy flowers, but it deserves a place in any garden.
The scabiosa is a member of the honeysuckle family and is native to Europe and Asia. It has been cultivated for centuries and was once a popular cut flower. The name scabiosa comes from the Latin word for the itch, which refers to the plant’s traditional use for treating skin conditions.
Conclusion
Although roses may be the most popular flower in many parts of the world, there are plenty of other blooms that could provide you with similar aesthetic effects. Whether you are looking for a more budget-friendly option or simply have a preference for other bloom varieties, we hope that this guide has provided you with enough inspiration to find a few prized substitutes.
From sweet peas to lilies, there is an array of flowers that still allow you to access the beauty and elegance of roses without having to solely rely on them.