Roses are a lovely flower to add to your garden or to use in a bouquet, but sometimes they aren’t the best option. Want a flower that looks like a rose but is a little different? Try some of these flowers that look like roses.
1. Ranunculus
Ranunculus may as well be the old fashioned rose’s cousin, the flower heads look so similar. These romantic flowers are a great substitute when roses aren’t on hand or affordable.
This friendship flower has a wild stem that gives your bouquet a nice, relaxed look. The flower heads are gorgeous, and they have a great fragrance. You will love these flowering plants!
2. Double peonies
Peonies, and especially double peonies, are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event or in any garden bed. They have very large, round, plump heads full of pretty petals. Unlike roses, these flowers are in season for only a short time so take advantage of their blooms while you can.
Peonies are flowers that look like roses and smell amazing! Plant this flowering plant in rich soil and enjoy them throughout the year.
3. Double tulips
Tulips don’t have many petals, but double tulips have a second layer that makes them much thicker. This extra thickness from the double blooms gives them a rose-like appearance. They come in many colors, just like roses. Like roses, the red double tulips symbolize true love. These rose-like flowers are a great addition to a bouquet at special, romantic events. Double tulips do just fine in full sun with well-drained soil.
4. Lisianthus
Lisianthus is a cheaper option than roses, and they look very much like roses. They have very pillowy petals and look wonderful as cut flowers. These are the perfect gifts to send on a special day like teacher appreciation day or to show appreciation for friends and family members. Their petals very much resemble rose petals, so be sure to use them at weddings and events where petals need to be tossed.
5. Gardenias
When looking for white rose-like blossoms, try Gardenias instead. These rose-like flowers only grow in white, symbolizing purity, love, and power. Their wide-open blooms look like roses, but they aren’t. They have a lovely scent to them that will fill your garden in the spring.
6. Carnations
These pretty frilly flowers really look like roses but tend to be much cheaper to purchase as cut flowers from florists. These flowers that look like roses have been used as fun, celebratory flowers since ancient times. They are extremely romantic and beloved by many.
They are fun because they come in an extremely wide color selection. The petals go beyond double flowers to give you a bushy flower head.
7. Camellia
Camellia comes in lots of different colors, but you will commonly see pink, white, and red. The flowers have a soft curve to their petals and look very soft. These flowers represent passion, love, and admiration. These are great alternate flowers that look like roses for your garden. These flowers are great because they can tolerate full sun.
8. Dahlia
These cottage garden flowers are more striking than roses but look fairly similar. They might be the farthest from the rose in this group, but they still make great rose bush alternatives. They look very unique with their pointy petals. Add them to any bouquet for a striking appearance your friends will love. Plant dahlias in full sun or partial sun for best results.
9. Begonias
Begonias have ruffled flowers that are very plump. These beautiful flowers come in many vibrant colors, making a beautiful alternative to rose options. These flowers stand out in a garden bed and therefore symbolize individuality. Gift these to someone with a strong sense of self and let them enjoy the sweet fragrance. They make a great potted plant and do great in well-draining soil and partial sun since they are low maintenance.
10. Double Impatiens
Double Impatiens are a nice cross between a rose and a peony in appearance and are beautiful garden flowers. They mostly come in pink and white, but other colors are also available. While these gorgeous flowers symbolize motherly love, they are also thought to symbolize disagreement. Double impatiens grow in partial sun or full sun. These double flowers make the perfect rose-like plants for your full-sun garden.
11. Rhododendron
These flowers are mound-shaped and grow in clusters or bunches. They resemble roses in the look of their petals and how they grow. However, they have long stamens that come out of the center of the flower. They are perennial shrubs and are quite easy to care for, especially in early summer.
12. Cotton Rose hibiscus
This low-maintenance flower may often be associated with tropical weather, but it is more like a rose than any tropical flower out there. These flowers that look like roses have soft petals and add beauty to any rose garden or bouquet. Plant them in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil for best results.
13. Poppy
The poppy may be mistaken for a rose if seen from the side. The delicate rose-like flower comes in pink variations that very much look like roses. If you want a romantic flower bed, add the Helen Elizabeth poppy with pink and peach petals. Their satin petals are lovely to look at and make great alternate flowers that look like roses. These hardy plants do great in well-draining soil and partial shade.
14. Japanese Quince
While this flower doesn’t quite look exactly like a rose, it has very similar qualities. They have thorny branches like roses do. They usually bloom in red and bright orange colors, but sometimes you can find them in pinks and whites. Like roses, their fragrant blooms attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This plant also grows fruit that can be eaten as jellies or jams!
15. Moss rose
The moss rose isn’t part of the rose family but, rather, of the Portulacaceae family. These flowers are drought-resistant and are great for new gardeners who may forget to water from time to time. Consider them an easy annual flower to add to your flower beds. They come in vibrant colors like red, orange, pink, and yellow flowers. Moss roses are great for ground cover if you want to add a living mulch.
More about flowers that look like roses
You are sure to find some great flowers that look like roses from this list. Add a combination of these rose flowers to your garden and ornamental plants, and you’ll have fragrant flowers all spring and summer. Some may be easier to care for and keep contained than rose bushes. Enjoy adding these in hanging baskets, low beds, or across your yard. You can find all the flowers at your local flower shop or nursery.
