The tea roses also introduced a new type of scent into European gardens. Sometimes described as "tarry" or
"tobacco-like", it has a rather "dry" quality reminiscent of black tea leaves. Not as powerful or far-carrying as the "old rose" scent associated with the
Damasks and gallicas, it is nonetheless alluring to many people. However, some find the tea rose fragrance unappealing -- even repulsive! Personally I like the fragrance, which has found it's way into
many modern roses. The teas differ in a number of respects from most other garden roses. Most notable is their habit of growth. New growth on tea rose plants is extremely
wiry, often leaving the impression that the plants lack vigor. This is not, in fact, the case. Tea roses do
grow vigorously, but their branches are delayed in building girth compared with those of old European and modern roses. Their foliage is typically shiny and delicate and usually emerges with a pronounced reddish tinge.
Tea roses are famed for their buds. These often, but not always, open in an elegant scrolled manner that has since become the trademark of their modern descendants, the Hybrid Teas. Unlike the hybrid teas, the old tea roses almost invariably bear their flowers in a nodding fashion. While this trait has counted
against them as cut flowers, it lends them an advantage of grace as garden plants over our more modern hybrids. To my eye, Tea roses combine the delightful, airy and elegant growth of the
Chinas with the the familiar and much-beloved flower form of the Hybrid Teas - surely a match made in heaven. If you live in Zone 7 or higher, perhaps you should give these delightful roses a try!
Some of these are relatively new additions to my garden, and I may not have photos and full information posted yet. Please check back often, as this section will be undergoing a lot of changes in the near future.
Just want photos? Visit the Photo Gallery!
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Teas are generally somewhat sturdier
roses in the same style as the Chinas. They are rarely out of flower in mild-winter climates (USDA Zones 8 and warmer); a bonus is their beautiful wood and new growth, which comes in many
subtle shades from plum to bronze to chartreuse. The flowers are likewise an Impressionest's palette of tones, shades, and blends; cream, light yellow, every imaginable pink, copper, apricot,
ivory. They make a delightful addition to mixed-flower bouquets.
