Tea Roses Vs Shrub Roses: 7 Key Differences to Know

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: August 22, 2023
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There are two main categories in the world of roses: tea roses and shrub roses. While both types have their own unique characteristics, they differ in terms of appearance and growth patterns.

Tea roses, also known as hybrid tea roses, are often considered the most classic type of rose. They typically have a long stem with one large bloom at the top. The petals on a tea rose tend to be more delicate and tightly packed together than those of a shrub rose. Their fragrance is also quite strong and sweet.

On the other hand, shrub roses are generally more compact in size and produce multiple blooms per stem. Their petals may be less formal-looking than those of a tea rose but can still create an impressive display when clustered together. Shrub roses come in various sizes depending on their variety. Some may grow up to six feet tall, while others remain small enough to fit into containers.

Overall, whether you prefer the classic elegance of a tea rose or the fuller look of a shrub rose will depend largely on your personal taste and gardening goals. Knowing these key differences between them will help you choose which type is best suited for your garden or floral arrangements!

Comparing Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses

Close-up of bright pink and yellow All the Rage hybrid shrub rose in selective focus outdoors in garden with green leaves in background

Shrub roses tend to have fewer petals than tea roses.

©Isabelle OHara/Shutterstock.com

Tea and shrub roses are both popular choices for gardeners looking to add color and fragrance to their outdoor spaces. While they may share some similarities, a few key differences between these two types of roses are worth noting.

Firstly, tea roses tend to have larger flowers than shrub roses. Another significant difference is their growth habit. Finally, tea roses are often considered more high-maintenance than shrub varieties when it comes to pruning and care requirements.

All in all, while both tea and shrub varieties offer plenty of beauty and charm in their own ways, understanding these key differences can help you choose which type might be best suited for your gardening needs!

TraitTea RosesShrub Roses
Stem LengthLonger, sturdier stemShorter, weaker steam
Blooms per Stem1 bloom per stemMultiple blooms per stem
PetalsMore petals, tightly packed. Larger flowerFewer petals, loosely packed. Smaller flower
ScentVaries from no scent to strong scentVaries from no scent to strong scent
Width and HeightMore narrow and compact. Average height 3-5 feet.Sprawling growth habit, wider. Average height 2-9 feet.
Cold-HardinessSlightly less cold-hardySlightly more cold-hardy
PruningRequires pruningPruning optional

Key Differences Between Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses

The key difference between tea roses and shrub roses is the number of flowers per stem and the size of the bush. They are also different in the grafting of the root strong, the number of petals per bloom, and the size of the flowers.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Stem Length

A brightly colored long-stemmed rose growing on a rose bush with dark green leaves.

It’s a challenge to grow long-stem tea roses, but it’s also very rewarding!

©Salad Days/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to differentiating between tea roses and shrub roses, one key difference lies in their stem length. Tea roses are known for having longer, more sturdy stems than their shrub counterparts. This characteristic makes them ideal for use as cut flowers or for creating floral arrangements. The longer stems also make tea roses easier to train onto trellises or other structures in the garden.

In contrast, shrub roses have shorter, branched stems that tend to be floppier than those of tea roses. While this may make them less desirable as cut flowers, it does mean that they are better suited for use as landscaping plants or hedges. Their flexible stems allow them to adapt well to a variety of growing conditions and can help create a more natural look when planted en masse.

Overall, understanding the differences between tea and shrub rose stem lengths can help you choose the right type of plant for your specific gardening needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for show-stopping blooms or hardy landscape plants, there’s sure to be a type of rose out there that will suit your needs perfectly!

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Number of Blooms per Stem

Peach color flowers of rose Polka (selected in France by Meiland) in a summer garden.

Tea roses have one flower per stem, while shrub roses have many.

©Razumhelen/Shutterstock.com

One of the key differences between tea roses and shrub roses is the number of blooms per stem. Tea roses typically have only one flower per stem, while shrub roses can produce multiple flowers on each stem. This difference in blooming patterns has important implications for gardeners and landscapers looking to incorporate roses into their designs.

Tea roses are prized for their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance. Because they produce only one bloom per stem, they require careful pruning to maintain their shape and prevent overcrowding. Gardeners must also be diligent about deadheading spent blooms to encourage new growth.

On the other hand, shrub roses offer a more robust display of color and texture, with multiple flowers blooming on each stem. This makes them ideal for use in hedges or mass plantings where a dense show of blossoms is desired. Unlike tea roses that benefit from frequent pruning, shrub roses require less maintenance due to their natural tendency to form bushy clumps.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Petals

A closeup of an Ashley rose's pink petals covered in dew

Tea roses have an average of 30-50 petals per flower.

©Viktoria UA/Shutterstock.com

Tea and shrub roses are two popular types of roses with distinct differences in their petal counts. Tea roses, known for their elegant beauty and delicate fragrance, typically have an impressive 30-50 petals per blossom. This abundance of petals creates a lush, full appearance that is sure to catch the eye.

On the other hand, shrub roses usually have fewer petals than tea roses. While they may not be as showy as some other rose varieties, shrub roses still offer a charming simplicity with their understated blooms.

One notable difference between these two types of roses is the size of their flowers. Tea rose blossoms tend to be slightly larger than those of shrub roses. However, both types can make beautiful additions to any garden or bouquet with their unique qualities and characteristics.

Overall, whether you prefer the abundant elegance of tea rose petals or appreciate the simple charm of shrub rose blooms, there is no denying that each type brings its own special appeal to any floral setting.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Scent

Queen Elizabeth grandiflora roses growing bright pink against lime green background.

Many types of roses have strong scents.

©iStock.com/yhelfman

When it comes to the scent of roses, there is a common misconception that tea roses are always more fragrant than shrub roses. However, this is not necessarily true, as both types can vary in fragrance from very strong to barely noticeable. The scent of a rose depends on the specific cultivar or variety rather than whether it is classified as a tea or shrub rose.

In fact, some hybrid teas have been bred specifically for their strong fragrance and can be just as aromatic as any classic tea rose. Similarly, certain shrub roses, like the David Austin varieties, are known for their sweet and intense scents.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Width

Tea roses and shrub roses are two popular types of roses that have distinct differences in terms of their growth habits. One key difference between the two is their width. Shrub roses tend to have a more sprawling growth habit, making them wider and larger overall than tea roses. This means that shrub roses may be the way to go if you’re looking for a rose variety that will fill up more space in your garden or landscape.

Regarding height, tea roses and shrub roses can vary quite a bit depending on the specific cultivar or variety. However, as a general rule, tea roses tend to be slightly taller than shrub roses, with an average height range of 3-5 feet tall compared to 2-9 feet tall for shrubs.

While there are certainly exceptions to these size ranges based on individual plant characteristics and growing conditions, understanding these basic differences can help you choose the right type of rose for your needs. Whether you prefer compact plants or large ones with plenty of sprawl, both tea and shrub varieties offer unique beauty and fragrances that make them beloved by gardeners around the world.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Cold Hardiness

Shelter roses for the winter. Frost protection for garden plants. Autumn garden work.

Cover your roses with frost cloth, sheets, or blankets during frigid nights.

©Tasha-photo/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to understanding the cold hardiness of tea roses versus shrub roses, it is important to note that these two types of roses have different rootstocks. Tea roses are typically grafted onto a cold-hardy rootstock, which means that they may not be as naturally resilient in colder temperatures as shrub roses. In contrast, shrub roses are grown on their original rootstock, meaning that they have developed their own natural resistance to cold weather over time.

While the difference in cold hardiness between tea and shrub roses may not be dramatic, it is generally true that shrub roses can better withstand excessively cold winters than tea roses. This is because their original rootstocks have allowed them to adapt more fully to harsh climate conditions over time. However, both types of rose can still thrive in colder climates with proper care and protection during the winter months.

For gardeners who live in areas with particularly harsh winters, choosing a type of rose that has a greater natural resistance to temperature extremes may be an important consideration. By understanding the differences between tea and shrub varieties when it comes to cold hardiness specifically, gardeners can select plants that will likely fare best in their local climate conditions for years to come.

Tea Roses vs. Shrub Roses: Pruning

Red Hedge Rose being pruned. A person holds pruners up to the long stem of a bright red rose, ready to cut.

Plant this rose in a sunny spot where the soil is moist but well-drained, and you’ll have lovely red roses in no time.

©PhotoJuli86/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to pruning, the difference between tea roses and shrub roses is quite significant. Tea roses require more attention in terms of pruning and deadheading than their shrub counterparts. This is because tea roses tend to grow taller and produce fewer but larger flowers. Without proper pruning, they can become overgrown and lose their shape, making them less visually appealing.

On the other hand, shrub roses have a growth habit that can thrive without as much intervention from gardeners. They have a more compact growth habit with multiple stems branching out from the base. While some gardeners may choose to prune them for aesthetic reasons or to remove any diseased or damaged wood, it isn’t necessary for maintaining healthy plants.

In addition to keeping their shape tidy, regular pruning of tea roses also promotes maximum air circulation within the plant canopy. Good air circulation helps prevent disease by reducing humidity levels around leaves and flowers where fungus tends to thrive. Shrub roses naturally have better air circulation due to their open growth habit, which means they’re less prone to fungal diseases caused by poor airflow.

Despite these differences in how they should be pruned, both types of rose bushes benefit from annual fertilization and maintenance, such as removing fallen leaves or debris from around the base of the plant during fall cleanup efforts. With proper care, both tea and shrub roses will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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