As you know, in the kingdom of roses you can find varieties of many colors, even two- and three-color. But, Have you ever seen a green rose? Believe it or not, yes, there are roses of this color.
Below we have investigated to tell you what is the history of this green rose and how it has also been (and is) present in Spain. Do you want to meet her?
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Does the green rose exist?
It’s normal for you to be skeptical that a green rose exists. But the truth is that it is so. And it’s not something new or a few years old. In reality It was discovered in 1827 and became known worldwide in 1845.. But let’s not rush.
The discovery of the green rose was made by John Smith in the United States. The date is what we told you, 1827. In fact, This green rose is called the Chinese rose verdiflora (or rosa viridiflora). It was a mutation from another rose, Chinese Old Blush. Of course, apparently there were already records of this strange rose since 1743.
In 1845 the rose began to be marketed by a company, Brambridge & Harrison. And ten years later, at the Universal Exhibition in Paría, it caused a sensation for its appearance and, above all, for the color of the “petals” (although in reality some are missing).
How is the green rose
Do you want to know what the green rose looks like? To start, and as you may have seen, we put the word petals in quotes because it doesn’t have any. In fact, they are sepals with a serrated edge and there are about 48 in total. This is why it has often been confused with other types of flowers. These can measure about 5 centimeters in diameter. They are also fragrant, with a certain smell of pepper. Its flowering period is usually from spring to fall, but in some climates it is able to flower throughout the year.
In addition, they have something very characteristic, and that is that, although they start green, over time (because they last longer than other pinks), these change the tone to a reddish brown.
The stem is semi-sturdy and quite long. In fact, it is not typical of a rosebush, but rather of mountain plants, which is also why it is confused.
The leaves are shiny light green. and, being similar in color to the flowers, at first sight they are mistaken for the leaves, which is why many do not realize this beauty until they come close.
In general, the rose bush is of the bush type and can measure between 60 and 120 centimeters, as well as about 90 in diameter. It barely has any thorns, but the ones it does have are not the usual color, but rather red.
The green rose in Spain
While investigating the green rose, we discovered that there are references (as well as a specimen) to Santomera, Murcia. It is the only verdiflora Chinese rose in Spain. And one of the few in Europe or even in the United States or Australia.
This rose, which, by the way, is sterile (all, which implies that they do not give seeds and must always be reproduced by cuttings), comes from the World’s Fair in Paris. It was Juan Murcia Villalonga who brought this plant from Paris to Spain, and more precisely to Santomera, Murcia. His grandson, Claudio, an internationally renowned doctor, was a nature lover and it was he who took care of the rose. In addition, he created a farm on which he installed the “Garden of Don Claudio”, which has now disappeared. But this green rose is still alive. And it’s hard enough to have lasted so long.
important care
We’re not going to tell you that finding a green rose is easy. Not much cheaper. But they exist and if you ever have the opportunity, knowing the care is essential. Therefore, we leave them here:
location and temperature
The green rose must be outside, that is, outside. Like other roses, this one also needs full sun or, if you live in an area that is too hot in summer, partial shade but with the most indirect sunlight (and several hours of direct sunlight) .
As for the temperature, it resists both frost and heat quite well.
Substrate
You can plant a green rose both in pots and in the ground. Although it is not demanding in terms of the substrate to be used, it is it is convenient to use a universal substrate with additional perlite so that the soil is more oxygenated.
Irrigation
Irrigation should be frequent in the summer, as this is when it can suffer the most from the heat (to the point of being every day or every 1-2 days). In the rest of the seasons, 1 to 2 times a week will be more than enough.
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Although this is not something the green rose requires, it can be apply some manure in early spring to restore some of the nutrients he needs to flourish.
Another option is liquid fertilizer, mixed with irrigation water.
Size
Once flowering is complete it is advisable to prune it to eliminate faded roses and to keep it fit. At the same time, you will get better flowering.
This must be done from October to February.
Plagues and diseases
Rosa chinensis verdiflora is not susceptible to pests, in fact it is more resistant than other roses. However, with mushrooms you may have a serious problem.
These will show up if proper care is not given, especially lighting, nutrients, and pruning.
Are there more green roses?
Well, even if you don’t believe it. The green rose we told you about is not the only one, there are two others: Super Green and Wimbledon. Obviously the green color is totally different, but they have coloring in this color, with different shades, that’s what catches the eye.
Now they are considered more yellow roses with green tones than the norm of being a green flower.
Have you ever seen a green rose? Would you like to have one in your garden?