Roses are one of the most popular and universally loved flowers. There are over 150 species of roses and thousands of varieties. While most people are familiar with common garden roses, there are a number of rare and unique roses that are lesser known. These rare roses are prized by plant collectors and rose enthusiasts for their unusual colors, forms, fragrances and backstories. Here we will explore some of the rarest and most unique rose varieties from around the world.
Rosa Chinensis Viridiflora – The Green Rose
The mystical green rose is extremely rare in nature. Most green roses in cultivation today are the result of skilled hybridization and breeding. Rosa chinensis viridiflora is a species of green rose native to China. It has light green petals that seem to glow ethereally. The green color comes from chlorophyll in the cells of the petals. Green roses symbolize prosperity, new beginnings, peace, and health.
Kardinal De Richelieu Rose
This very rare variety has dark burgundy blooms streaked and speckled with white. It is believed to be one of the “old European roses” and its exact genetics are unknown. The striking flowers have an old-fashioned, romantic look. According to legend, Cardinal de Richelieu of France (1585-1642) used to stain his handkerchief with rose petals to prove his love and devotion. This rose may have originated as sport (mutation) of the ‘Gloire de Richelieu’ rose in the 1840s.
Juliet Rose
This romantic English climbing rose has very double, cupped blooms in shades of pale to deep apricot with hints of gold. It has a powerful, sweet fragrance and is nearly thornless. The Juliet rose was introduced by rose hybridizer David Austin in 1989 and the buttery blooms with intoxicating scent remain rare and highly coveted.
Sophie’s Perpetual Rose
This antique Bourbon rose from France dates back to 1837. The blooms are quartered (have mixed stripes of color) in shades of deep pink, crimson and white. The petals have delicate ruffled edges. Sophie’s Perpetual has a lovely, strong damask fragrance and is classified as a remontant, meaning it repeatedly blooms from early summer to fall. It was named after Princess Sophie of France.
Rosa Sericea Pteracantha – The Wingthorn Rose
This nearly extinct climbing rose species is native to several mountains in China, as well as Tibet, Burma and Nepal. It is recognized for its large hooked thorns that resemble wings. The flowers are small and white with golden stamens. Wingthorn rose represents honor, nobility, and a challenge overcome. It grows at high altitudes on cliffs and rocky slopes.
Rose de Rescht
Rose de Rescht is an exceptionally rare damask rose that originated in Persia (now Iran). The petals unfold from tight buds to reveal blooms in various shades of lilac-purple with white streaks. The bush has arching growth and downy foliage. This rose has a rich, fruity fragrance and high oil content. Rescht is an ancient village located on the slopes of the Elburz Mountains where Rose de Rescht was first discovered.
Rosa Mundi
Rosa Mundi (also known as Rosa Gallica Versicolor) is an ancient rose with stunning variegated blooms striped in crimson, white and bright pink. The striking flowers are thought to symbolize love and unity. Rosa Mundi is a derivative of Rosa Gallica, also called the French rose or Provins rose. It dates back to the 1500s and has been depicted in paintings throughout history. Rosa Mundi is classified as a rose of unknown varietal origin.
Blue Moon Rose
Blue roses do not exist naturally, but this lavender-blue hybrid rose called ‘Blue Moon’ was cultivated by hybridizer Bill Radler in 2004. The closest equivalent found in nature is the blue-tinted lavender rose. Blue Moon is a light grayish purple color with silvery undertones, and a light, sweet scent. They represent fantasy, dreams coming true and the impossible made real.
Charlotte Rose
This charming English rose by David Austin was introduced in 2015. The very double, cupped blooms start out yellow and orange, softly fading to pale pink. Charlotte has a lovely myrrh fragrance. It repeats blooms from early summer to autumn. According to David Austin Roses, only 1,000 of these plants were produced for North America, making this rose quite rare.
Rose De Mai
Also called Rosa Gallica Officinalis, Rose De Mai is a small, short-stemmed wild rose with five-petaled pink blooms that open flat. It is native to central and southern Europe. An ancient rose species like this is rare today. Rose de Mai blooms from spring to early summer and has a strong, sweet myrrh perfume. It has numerous medicinal properties and was grown in medieval gardens.
Munstead Wood Rose
Munstead Wood is one of David Austin’s most beloved English Roses. It has very large, cupped blooms in shades of crimson-red with velvety texture. The flowers have a strong fruity fragrance. It blooms repeatedly from summer until frost. This variety was introduced in 2007 but remains sparsely available even in the U.K., making it a much sought-after rarity.
Rose Des Vents
This gorgeous rose was created by famed French rose breeder Francis Meilland of France. The loosely double, swirled salmon-pink blooms reveal bright golden yellow centers like a flower within a flower. Rose Des Vents has an intense citrusy perfume and blooms in flushes throughout the season. Its name translates to “Rose of the Winds” and it remains quite rare.
Mutabilis Rose
Mutabilis is the rose of many colors. This China rose changes color dramatically as it opens from bud to full bloom in shades of yellow, copper, pink, crimson and more. Mutabilis roses symbolize transformation and are sometimes called “butterfly roses.” They are descendants of the Old Blush roses brought from China to Europe in the 18th century. Few rosarians grow this constantly changing wonder.
Rosa Arkansana
Arkansas rose, also known as prairie rose, is a wild rose native to much of the United States. It bears five-petaled pink to white fragrant blooms. This tough pioneer rose was discovered and named by early French explorers. While common in its native habitat, Rosa Arkansana remains quite rare in cultivation. It prefers full sun and blooms once a year in late spring or early summer.
Darlow’s Enigma Rose
This climbing rose has irregular, striped blooms in various shades of pink, mauve and white. Each flower looks totally unique. The stripes and markings never repeat. Introduced in 2010 by Chris Darlow of Darlow’s Nurseries in the U.K., this rose remains extremely rare and exotic. The genetics behind its unusual blooms are still a mystery.
Conclusion
Roses have captured the fascination and affection of gardeners and romantics for centuries. While classic varieties are beloved for good reason, rare and ancient roses provide a window into history. They also expand the palette of colors, fragrances and flower forms that can be appreciated. With over 30,000 rose cultivars in existence and new ones being bred every year, the options for uncovering extraordinary roses are endless for patient and passionate collectors.
