Teas

Teas are generally more robust roses in the same style as the Chinas. They are rarely out of flower here in California; 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 impressionist’s palette of tones, shades, and blends of cream, light yellow, every imaginable pink, copper, apricot, ivory. All are very, very fragrant, often with a scent some describe as that of fresh tea leaves. Teas and Chinas nod their flowers. This is a plus; a well-grown shrub of 5′ holds its flowers toward the onlooker, and takes its place gracefully in the garden. Teas are the roses to grow in California and in the South.