15 Beautiful Plants That Resemble Roses Without the Hassle

If you love the look of roses but prefer something easier to care for, you’re in the right place. Many stunning plants mimic the beauty of roses but require far less attention. From vibrant blooms to fragrant flowers, these plants can brighten up your garden with minimal effort. Whether you have a small space or a large garden, there’s something for everyone. These alternatives are not only visually appealing but also more tolerant of various weather conditions. They thrive in different climates and are relatively low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners.

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Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Camellias are often mistaken for roses due to their beautiful, layered blooms. These plants produce striking flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white, making them a garden favorite.

They thrive in partial shade and do well in slightly acidic soil. Camellias are relatively low-maintenance, needing only occasional pruning and water to keep them healthy. Their glossy, evergreen leaves add interest year-round, making them a perfect alternative to roses.

Peony (Paeonia)

Peonies have a similar flower structure to roses, with large, ruffled petals and vibrant colors. They are beloved for their sweet fragrance and come in hues ranging from deep reds to soft pastels.

These plants are hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions. Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they require minimal care. Their blooms are a highlight of late spring and early summer.

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)

Flowering quince produces bright, rose-like flowers that bloom in early spring. These flowers are typically red, orange, or pink and stand out against the plant’s spiny branches.

Unlike traditional roses, flowering quince is a hardy shrub that can handle a range of temperatures. It also requires less water and attention than roses, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance garden plant.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)

Mock orange shrubs have fragrant, rose-like flowers that bloom in late spring. Their white flowers with yellow centers resemble the beauty of roses but without the thorny stems.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. With minimal pruning, mock orange can maintain its lovely appearance throughout the growing season.

Dianthus (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Dianthus, also known as carnations, has blooms that resemble miniature roses. Their petals come in a wide array of colors, including red, pink, and white, offering the same beauty as roses but with easier upkeep.

These plants grow well in full sun and thrive in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. They are drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)

Abelia shrubs produce small, rose-like flowers that bloom from summer into fall. The flowers are tubular, often pink or white, and emit a pleasant fragrance.

Abelias are incredibly hardy and require little attention once established. They are perfect for adding color to your garden with minimal effort, and their arching branches create a graceful, cascading appearance.

Double-Flowering Almond (Prunus triloba)

The double-flowering almond blooms in early spring, offering delicate, rose-like flowers in shades of pink. The blossoms appear in clusters, creating a striking display against the plant’s green foliage.

This plant is more tolerant of colder climates than most roses and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is also more disease-resistant, making it a good option for gardeners who want a rose-like aesthetic with fewer problems.

Kerria Japonica (Japanese Rose)

Kerria japonica is a shrub with yellow, rose-like flowers that bloom in spring. Though it resembles a rose, it is not as finicky and grows easily in a variety of soil types.

It is well-suited for partial to full shade and is drought-tolerant once established. The bright yellow blooms contrast beautifully with its dark green leaves, making it a vibrant addition to any garden.

Bouvardia (Bouvardia spp.)

Bouvardia plants have compact, fragrant clusters of flowers that resemble roses. They come in colors like pink, red, and white, providing a rose-like effect in smaller spaces.

Bouvardia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively easy to care for, requiring occasional watering and light pruning to keep it tidy.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus flowers can look similar to roses, especially the larger varieties. These tropical plants produce big, showy blooms in a wide variety of colors, from pink to red to yellow.

They require warm climates and full sun to thrive. Hibiscus plants are more forgiving than roses, requiring less pruning and maintenance while still delivering striking flowers throughout the season.

Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine flowers feature delicate, rose-like petals in a range of colors, from purple to pink to red. Their shape is slightly different, but the aesthetic is similar to that of roses, especially in the more compact varieties.

These plants thrive in partial shade and cool, well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, adding life to your garden with little effort.

Hellebore (Helleborus)

Hellebores are perennial plants with large, rose-like flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. They come in various shades, from deep reds to soft pinks and purples, offering a striking visual.

These plants thrive in partial to full shade and do well in moist, well-drained soil. Once established, hellebores are fairly low-maintenance and provide early-season interest in the garden.

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri)

Cotoneaster is a spreading shrub that produces small, rose-like pink flowers in spring. The plant’s berries also add color in the fall, making it a versatile option for year-round visual appeal.

It is incredibly hardy and does well in a variety of soil types. Cotoneasters are relatively pest-free and require minimal pruning, making them an ideal choice for a low-maintenance garden.

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)

Angelonia, often referred to as summer snapdragon, produces clusters of flowers that resemble smaller, rose-like blooms. Available in a variety of colors, including pink and purple, they add a touch of elegance to gardens.

This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is known for being drought-tolerant once established. Angelonias are perfect for gardeners looking for a colorful, low-maintenance option with rose-like appeal.

Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)

Geraniums are known for their rose-like blooms, particularly in the trailing varieties. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white, and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.

Geraniums love full sun and are relatively low-maintenance. They thrive in well-drained soil and only require occasional deadheading to keep them looking fresh.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.