Their durability over the centuries is a testament to their hardiness and enduring charm. The ones I have listed are mainly remontant varieties which once established will consistently reward the eyes and nose with a profusion of bloom, color and fragrance. However, their importance in subsequent rose breeding is paramount and their usefulness in the landscape is unparalleled in our region. Their nomenclature derives from the fact that they originated in China. When China opened its doors to foreign trade in the Late 1700's, British traders were amazed to find roses blooming repeatedly as all they had known in Europe were the once-blooming varieties such as Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Moss, and Centifolias.
China roses are unparalleled in our region for constant color in the landscape.
No one is absolutely certain how this class derived its name, but my favorite theory is the one that they are so called because the slips were packed in tea crates of the trading ships for transportation back to Europe. It does not infer that they smell like tea leaves or brewed tea - although there may be a few who swear that they do. Two of these. Along with the Chinas, Teas bloom consistently in our region. They tend to be a larger bush - anywhere from 3' to 7' in our region.