This is the ultimate collection of 25 different flowers that look like roses. These gorgeous blooms share a resemblance to roses but require diverse care.
I want to introduce you to the world beyond traditional roses, which offers an array of stunning alternatives. These 25 different flowers resemble the beloved rose; however, they exhibit unique characteristics and requirements that cater to various gardening skills, medicinal benefits and uses.
Roses are the most iconic flowers worldwide for their timeless beauty and symbolic significance in gardens worldwide. Their classic elegance and delicate petals have captured the hearts of gardeners and flower enthusiasts for generations.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, roses have conveyed messages of love, passion, and emotions in various cultures. From the romantic red rose symbolizing love to the white rose representing purity and innocence, roses aren’t dull.
Throughout history, these beautiful flowers have been cherished for their therapeutic attributes. Traditional medicine use the soothing properties of rose water or rose oil. Their fragrant essence has also earned them a place in perfumes, facial creams, soaps or toners.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or want to send unique and personal flowers to your loved ones, you’ll find a flower in this collection that suits you.
If you are looking for plants that look like lavender, here is a complete collection.
What flower looks like a rose but isn’t?
To resemble a rose, flowers often share similarities in petals.
Roses typically have multiple layers of soft, overlapping petals, often in a cupped shape. Rose-like flowers have a similar petal arrangement, with numerous petals forming a full, rounded bloom. These flowers also often mimic a wide range of color diversity as of roses. Sometimes, they have a similar scent that reminds us of roses.
Flowers that look like roses
1. Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus)
The Persian Buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus asiaticus, belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and has some of the prettiest flowers that look almost similar to roses. Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia, this flowering plant is renowned for its brilliant colors like red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. The Persian Buttercup has been cultivated for centuries and gained popularity in Persian and Islamic art.
2. Peony
The peony or paeony, scientifically known as Paeonia, belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. These stunning flowers, starting with the letter P, are an excellent alternative to roses, and you can always gift them on Valentine’s Day or during anniversaries. They are incredibly fragrant and have a nearly identical scent to roses. Peonies are seasonal flowers, whereas roses are grown year-round.
3. Double Anemones (Windflower)
Another beautiful flower that look like semi-double rose is a double anemone. Also known as windflower, this great alternative to roses belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, Double Anemones play an important role in Greek mythology. According to legend, the anemone frilly flower sprung from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of her lover, Adonis. Because of this, the flower is often associated with love and protection in Greek culture.
4. Another alternative to traditional roses – Carnations
Carnations, scientifically named Dianthus caryophyllus, belong to the family Caryophyllaceae. These lovely flowers that resemble rose petals are native to the Mediterranean region. They prefer temperate climates with mild winters and well-drained soil. Carnations are widely cultivated worldwide and are popular in flower arrangements, romantic flower beds, and cut flowers in flower shops.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, carnation flower heads are edible and sometimes used to garnish salads, desserts, and beverages.
5. Camellia
Another C-starting flowering plant, Camellias, belongs to the family Theaceae. These winter flowers that almost look like roses are famous for their glossy, dark-green leaves and flowers that bloom in rich flowers. Unlike roses, you can grow camellias in poorly lit places, even under trees! They are native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan. Camellia sinensis makes green, black, and white tea. An interesting fact about Camellias is their rich cultural significance in Asia, symbolizing love, purity, and longevity. They are often featured in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and are considered a symbol of beauty and grace.
6. Dahlia
Another rose looking flower starting with letter D is Dahlia, scientifically known as Dahlia, which belongs to the family Asteraceae. Native to Mexico and Central America, Dahlias are renowned for their vibrant blooms and various colors, shapes, and sizes. They don’t precisely mimic the shape of a rose, but with their large double bloom, they make striking flower beds.
Interestingly, Dahlias are considered the national flower of Mexico and have been cultivated for their edible tubers, although they are primarily grown for their ornamental value today.
7. Double impatiens
Double Impatiens( Impatiens walleriana), belong to the family Balsaminaceae. These shade-loving double flowers are native to East Africa and are often found in tropical and subtropical regions. One intriguing fact about Double Impatiens is their unique method of seed dispersal. When their seed capsules mature, they explode when touched, hence the common name “Touch-Me-Not.”
8. Gardenias
Another different flower that almost look like roses are Gardenias, with the scientific name Gardenia jasminoides, from family Rubiaceae. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, these fragrant flowers have an intense, sweet fragrance that is often used in perfumes. However, they are primarily fragrant at night, making them a favorite for evening gardens and moonlight strolls.
9. Begonias
Begonias, belonging to the family Begoniaceae, have ruffled flowers in diverse colors and intricate leaf patterns. You can easily propagate them from leaf cuttings and share them among gardeners.
These popular flowers have heart-shaped leaves that stay green all year long, and you can use these stunning flowers as outdoor potted plants or hanging plants.
10. Marigolds
Marigolds, scientifically known as Tagetes, are members of the family Asteraceae. They are recognized for their bright orange and yellow blooms and are famous for their pest-repelling properties, and they are often planted in vegetable gardens to deter insects. An interesting fact about Marigolds is their use in Hindu religious ceremonies and festivals in India, where they are considered auspicious and are offered to deities.
11. Double Tulips
If you love roses, you will love Double tulips, scientifically classified as Tulipa, which belong to the family Liliaceae. These captivating flowers, similar to roses, are native to regions in Eurasia. They played an important role in the Dutch “Tulip Mania” during the 17th century. This period marked a fascinating chapter in history when tulip bulbs, including double tulip varieties, became incredibly valuable and considered a form of currency. The Tulip Mania is one of the earliest recorded speculative bubbles in economic history, where the prices of tulip bulbs reached extraordinarily high levels before eventually crashing, leading to important lessons about financial markets and speculation.
Tulips are often used in inspirational quotes.
12. Lisianthus
Lisianthus, also known as Eustoma russellianum, belongs to the family Gentianaceae.
Their cup-shaped double flowers are probably flowers that look like a rose or can be easily mistaken for a rose.
They are exceptionally hardy and can withstand various weather conditions, particularly in warm and arid regions. They are a resilient choice for gardens and floral arrangements in areas with challenging growing conditions.
13. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Another vibrant flowers that are similar to roses are Calibrachoa, also known as “Million Bells,” which belongs to the family Solanaceae. They thrive in warm, sunny conditions and are well-suited for gardens and containers as they often have plenty of flowers. One interesting fact about Calibrachoa is its ability to tolerate light frost, making it a versatile choice for summer and early fall gardens. Its vibrant, cascading blooms attract hummingbirds, adding an element of wildlife-friendly beauty to garden landscapes.
14. Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) purslane
Another flower that looks similar to roses is Moss roses, also known as Portulaca grandiflora or purslane, from the Portulacaceae family. These cheerful, low-growing flowers that resemble roses are native to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina. They thrive in warm and arid regions, making them suitable for drought-tolerant gardens and containers. Moss roses add different colors to gardens in hot climates and are known for their resilience and adaptability.
15. Japanese Quince
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica), from the Rosaceae family, has striking, delicate flowers that look similar to roses in their miniature form. This deciduous shrub is native to Japan, China, and Korea and is well-known for its pretty flower varieties like bright red, orange, and pink. Japanese Quince has edible fruit, although it is typically quite tart. Some people use it to make preserves, jellies, or tart-flavored tea.
16. Japanese Rose (Kerria Japonica)
If you are looking for a flower almost identical to a rose, though, it would be Japanese Rose or Japanese Kerria (Kerria Japonica). from the Rosaceae family. This deciduous shrub is native to Asia, particularly Japan and China, and looks like roses for your garden. It’s appreciated for its bright yellow flowers resembling miniature roses appearing in early spring. An interesting fact about the Japanese Rose is its adaptability to different environments. It can grow both in full sun and partial shade, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a rose-like appearance in various rose gardens.
17. Alpine Rose
The Alpine Rose is a wild rose known for its resilience in harsh mountainous environments. While it shares the name “rose,” it belongs to the genus Rhododendron, and its scientific name is Rhododendron ferrugineum. These small, pink to reddish flowers reminiscent of roses are native to the alpine regions of Europe and are well-suited to cold, high-altitude landscapes. Alpine Rose has adapted to survive extreme conditions, including cold temperatures and nutrient-poor soils. This hardiness adds to its allure in alpine gardens and landscapes.
18. Cotton Rose
Cotton Rose, scientifically named Hibiscus mutabilis, is known for its rose-like appearance and the ability of its flowers to change color as they mature. These large, hibiscus-like blooms are native to China and Southeast Asia. They typically start as white or pale pink in the morning, then change to darker pink or red shades as the day progresses. This unique color-changing feature adds to the appeal of Cotton Rose. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and looks more like a rose than a tropical flower.
19. Catawba Rhododendron
The Catawba Rhododendron, scientifically known as Rhododendron catawbiense, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from the Ericaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly the Appalachian Mountains. Catawba Rhododendron is a rose bush alternative celebrated for its spectacular clusters of colors like purple or pink flowers, resembling large, showy roses. It is a popular choice for garden or flower beds with acidic soils and temperate climates. It is the state flower of West Virginia, symbolizing the beauty and natural richness of the region.
20. Gloxinia
Gloxinia, scientifically known as Sinningia speciosa, is a captivating flowering plant prized for its trumpet-shaped blooms. Gloxinia’s lush, velvety foliage and vibrant flowers look like roses. These perennial plants grow indoors or in sheltered outdoor spaces. Gloxinias come in shades, including deep purples, pinks, reds, and whites, with contrasting patterns that enhance their beauty. With proper care, including bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, Gloxinias can reward enthusiasts with an extended flowering period.
21. Chrysanthemum
Another great rose alternative is Chysantemums, referred to as “mums, ” which belong to the family Asteraceae. Certain chrysanthemum varieties, particularly the double-flowered types, can have blooms that look like fully opened roses. You can find these flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, white, and even lavender.
Chrysanthemums are associated with honor, loyalty, and love. In Japan, they hold a special place as the Imperial Family’s emblem and are celebrated during the annual Chrysanthemum Festival, known as “Kiku no Sekku.”
22. Azalea
Azaleas are flowering shrubs that belong to the genus Rhododendron. They are part of the family Ericaceae. Azaleas don’t look exactly like a rose, but their multiple layers of petals have some similarities with roses. Native to various regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe, and they are especially beloved for their vibrant, colorful blooms.
23. Cabbage Rose
The Cabbage Rose, scientifically known as Rosa centifolia, is a rose that’s famous for its large, tightly packed petals, creating a full and round bloom that resembles the shape of a cabbage head. This classic and fragrant rose variety has been cultivated for centuries and is known for its sweet and intense scent. Cabbage Roses are historically significant and have been used in perfumery and traditional remedies.
24. Double Daffodil
Double Daffodils belong to the Narcissus genus within the family Amaryllidaceae. While double daffodil flower doesn’t look exactly like a rose, they feature multiple layers of petals, creating a fuller appearance. Daffodils, including the double-flowered types, are known for their cheerful and sunny blooms, which are typically yellow or white. While they are distinct from roses, double daffodils are appreciated for their charming and springtime presence in gardens, symbolizing renewal and the arrival of spring.
These captivating daffodil quotes will spice up your Instagram feed.
25. Zinnia elegans
Zinnias, especially double-flowered varieties, can have blooms with multiple layers of petals, similar to roses’ full and rose-like appearance. They come in various colors, including red, pink, orange, and white flowers, and they are a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements due to their striking and colorful blooms.