Roses are a favorite flowering plant of gardeners all over the world. Although there are over 150 species of roses to choose from, they all share the same delicate and romantic look. Rose bushes are a common choice to add to your garden, but maybe you want something a little different. Whereas beginner gardeners may have trouble keeping up with the care requirements of garden roses, seasoned gardeners may wish to have something less mainstream.
Luckily, there are plenty of flowers that look like roses. In most cases, the similarities lie in their petals’ colors, fragrance, and shape. However, the care requirements for other flower species may be better for your gardening skill level, environment, or the care you can give.
Below, you will find a combination of well-known and obscure rose-like flowers. If you’re looking for a flower that resembles a rose, you’re sure to find a variety that suits your needs on the following list. Let’s jump in!
Roses are undeniably one of the most beloved flowers in the world. Their lush, multi-layered blooms emit a delicate fragrance and romantic ambiance that has made them iconic symbols of love and beauty. But growing perfect roses requires time and effort. What if you want the elegant look of roses without all the work?
Luckily, many flowers mimic the blossoms of rose bushes while being easier to care for. Let’s explore some rose lookalikes to give your garden elegance without demanding maintenance.
Why Consider Rose Alternatives?
Here are some top reasons to branch out beyond typical roses:
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Lower maintenance – Many roses are susceptible to pests and diseases. Rose alternatives may be more carefree and require less pruning or spraying.
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Climate compatibility – Some climates struggle growing roses. Substitutes like camellias may handle heat, humidity or coastal conditions better
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Unique colors – Roses mainly come in shades of red, pink, white and yellow. Explore other hues like blue, orange and green.
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Faster growth – Some roses take years to mature Alternatives provide quicker gratification and fuller form
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Fragrance – Not all roses are aromatic. Sniff out options like gardenias and carnations for pleasant scents.
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Novelty – Add distinctive flair with more exotic plants. Discover new textures and forms.
Let’s look at 10 of the best flowers that resemble roses without the work!
1. Peonies
Peonies produce sumptuous, romantic blooms in late spring upon rich green foliage. The lush flowers come in red, pink, white, yellow and coral hues. Tree peonies have an even closer resemblance to roses with their large, multi-layered blossoms. Some varieties like ‘Red Charm’ even emit a rosy fragrance.
2. Ranunculus
Ranunculus showcase row upon row of thin, delicate petals. Their closely stacked layers create a rose-like fullness. Ranunculus add charm to gardens and vases in pink, red, orange, yellow and white. With their pompom blooms, they look like cheerful cousins to classic roses.
3. Camellias
Camellias offer large, rose-like blooms in various shades of red, pink and white. The shiny evergreen leaves contrast elegantly with abundant winter blooms. Camellias thrive in mild climates and adapt well to part shade areas unsuitable for roses.
4. Carnations
Ruffled carnations have an old-fashioned charm. The frilly, multifaceted blooms resemble miniature roses. Carnations come in many colors like red, pink, yellow, purple and white. Some varieties also emit a sweet, spicy fragrance.
5. Gardenias
Gardenia’s waxy white blooms and intoxicating aroma epitomize the luxurious elegance of roses. But gardenias adapt better to humidity and warmer regions than fussier roses. The glossy evergreen leaves also add year-round structure.
6. Chrysanthemums
Lush, multi-layered chrysanthemum blooms mirror the globular shape of roses. Chrysanthemums offer a wider spectrum of colors including orange, burgundy, yellow and lime green. The cheerful daisy-like flowers bloom prolifically in fall.
7. Dahlias
Dahlias showcase incredible diversity, from pom pom shapes to giant dinner-plate blooms. Their densely-petaled flowers imitate the full, sumptuous form of roses. Dahlias bloom in almost every color except blue for vibrant flair.
8. Water Lilies
Water lily blossoms float elegantly on ponds mimicking roses. Symmetrical, waxy petals radiate outward from the center. Fragrant water lilies like the ‘Pink Sensation’ variety add beauty and aroma without the fuss of roses.
9. Anemones
Also known as windflowers, anemones flaunt saucer-shaped blooms in white, pink, purple and scarlet hues. The black stamens accent the colors. Double varieties resemble semi-double roses. Anemones sway delicately on stems with grace.
10. Lisianthus
Lisianthus exhibits rose-like, layered blooms on straight, sturdy stems perfect for cutting. The abundant flowers come in various colors like purple, white, green, pink and blue. Lisianthus thrives in hot, humid conditions unsuitable for roses.
Bonus: Rose Hips for Flavor
Don’t completely banish roses from your landscape! Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant that form after flowers fade. Rose hips offer benefits like:
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Edible and flavorful. Used for tea, jam and syrup.
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Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Unique texture and visual interest for arrangements.
So even if you skip flowers, you can still enjoy rose hips!
Discover Your New Favorite Flowers
Roses hold an esteemed spot in the pantheon of blossoms. But it’s nice to break expectations and uncover new beauty. The options here all mimic lush, multi-layered rose blooms with easier care.
Branch out from classic roses with these elegant alternatives. Discover fresh colors, fragrances and textures to elevate your garden. With less maintenance than finicky roses, you can revel in gorgeous blooms for years to come!
‘Mary Gay Lirette’ Daffodil
‘Mary Gay Lirette’ Daffodil has a sweetly scented stunner that blooms to a height of 35-45cm.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: NA; Nursery hybrid
- Plant Size: 12–18 inches in height
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3–8 (USDA)
Like roses, horticulturalists have been cultivating Daffodils for decades. The ‘Mary Gay Lirette’ Daffodil is a truly stunning variety that features pale, creamy pink-colored flowers. While most Daffodils have more of an orangey tinge to them, the ‘Mary Gay Lirette” variety is closer to a true pink.
These ruffled flowers look quite different from a daffodil; you may even mistake them for peonies. Similar to roses, these distinctive Daffodils will add a dainty, romantic, and feminine ambiance wherever you plant them.
Purple is the “native” coloring of the Million Bells.
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial, annual
- Geographic Origin: South American Hybrid
- Plant Size: 3 to 9 inches in height and 6 to 24 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)
Calibrachoa, known as Million Bells, is most commonly used for hanging baskets because they tend to produce a dense trail as it gracefully flows over the sides. Its delicate blooms are only an inch across but often have plenty of flowers.
These vibrant flowers may be pink, red, yellow, violet, white, blue, magenta, or bronze. You may also see them in small plastic containers to replant in a garden bed.
Moss Rose is the only ornamental plant in the numerous purslane family.
- Plant Type: Annual flowering succulent
- Geographic Origin: South America
- Plant Size: 3-9 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2-11 (USDA)
Moss Roses are famous sellers during the spring and sometimes even summer. Despite its name and full, ruffled blooms, Moss Rose is a part of the Portulacaceae family. These hardy plants can withstand quite a bit of drought, making them great for newer gardeners who may forget to water for a day or two. They are not frost tolerant, so most gardeners treat these flowering plants as annuals.
Their blooms come in multiple vibrant colors, including shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow. They are easy to grow flowers and make excellent ground covers due to their dense spread.
Persian Buttercup is the most beloved type of ranunculus by flower growers and florists, which has become the main one in the selection of modern varieties.
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 8-10 (USDA)
Persian Buttercups are famous for their vibrant colors, ruffled petals, and long stems that can last ten years with proper cair. You can find ranunculus in all usual rose colors, including bright pink, red, cream, yellow, and even purple and orange.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a flower shop that doesn’t sell these beauties, as most people love to use them for wedding bouquets or vase flowers. They grow quickly and typically bloom between spring and summer.
Pink Mountain Rose of exceptional beauty, ideal for growing in pots, such as on a terrace or patio.
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Geographic Origin: Canary Islands
- Plant Size: about 6 inches in height
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Plant Zone: 10a to 11b (USDA)
At first glance, you may mistake this distinctive succulent for a rose. Mountain Rose features leaves that naturally arrange to look like a rose. You can find Mountain Rose succulents in shades of green, blue, and even pink. Although the blue and green are gorgeous, the pink is especially rose-like.
These unique beauties have become popular in the last decade because of their ease to care.
Red Charm Peonies is one of the most popular varieties that has been widely grown in garden plots for several decades.
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 3 feet in height and width
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
- Plant Zone: 3-8 (USDA)
If you’re looking for a showy flower with rich red color and a rose-like aroma, look no further than the Red Charm Peonies. This peony variety has attention-grabbing blossoms that are incredibly fragrant and have a nearly identical scent to roses.
While most peonies are pink or white, these peonies have deep, crimson red petals that contrast beautifully with their bright green foliage.
7 Rose Growing Mistakes to AVOID
FAQ
What flower looks like a rose but isn t?
Peonies. This classic rose-looking flower is one of the most adored flowers on the market, the beautiful peony. With tall sturdy stems and large heads, they are often mistaken by roses. The main thing that differs the peony from the rose is the peony’s fluffy-like petals that opens up to huge blooms.
What is the flower that resembles a rose?
Lisianthus. Lisianthus have become a popular flower for celebrations, and look almost identical to roses. They feature delicate petals and come in a variety of stunning colours such as white, pink and purple.
What is another flower that looks like a rose?
Lisianthus–my favorite flower that looks like a rose, but is not a rose. In fact, lisianthus are better than roses, because they have no thorns!
What perennial looks like a rose?
A low-maintenance garden favorite, some begonia varieties have flowers that look like roses. This is especially true of hybrid tuberous begonias, which have thin, slightly ruffled petals and come in shades like red, yellow, orange, pink, and white. Though they are perennials, they’re most often grown as annuals.
Do roses have a signature look?
While roses might have a signature look, they don’t hold a monopoly on that elegance. A variety of flowers flowers that mimic the elegance of roses in their own way, but they are not roses. Blooms like peonies, camellias, dahlias, begonias, and ranunculus offer rose-like appearances and can flourish in places where roses might falter.
What flowers look like roses?
Peonies produce sumptuous, romantic blooms in late spring. The lush flowers come in red, pink, white, yellow and coral. Tree peonies have an even closer resemblance to roses with their large, lush blossoms. 9. Ranunculus Ranunculus flowers showcase row upon row of thin, delicate petals. Their closely stacked layers create a rose-like fullness.
What flowers resemble roses without the work?
Let’s look at 13 of the best flowers that resemble roses without the work! 1. Camellias Camellias offer large, rose-like blooms in red, pink, and white hues. The shiny evergreen leaves contrast elegantly with abundant wintertime blossoms. Camellias thrive in mild climates. 2. Carnations Ruffled carnations have an old-fashioned charm.
Do flowers resemble roses?
Strawflowers don’t resemble roses when fully open. But their tightly furled buds mimic miniature rosebuds. The colorful, everlasting blooms hold their form beautifully when dried. Strawflowers add texture when mixed with other flowers. 11. Succulent Roses Some succulents form rosette shapes that loosely resemble roses.
What flowers look like silk roses?
8. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) These elegant flowers closely resemble delicate silk roses with their layered petals and sophisticated appearance. Their long stems and variety of colors make them perfect for both garden borders and cut flower arrangements.
What flowers look like old fashioned roses?
Ranunculus Ranunculus may as well be the old fashioned rose’s cousin, the flower heads look so similar. These romantic flowers are a great substitute when roses aren’t on hand or affordable. This friendship flower has a wild stem that gives your bouquet a nice, relaxed look. The flower heads are gorgeous, and they have a great fragrance.