They are believed to be a cross between Rosa damascena and Rosa alba, and were popular from the 1600's through early 1800's. The original moss rose was a sport of Cabbage Rose, although there is some evidence that damasks will also create moss sports. Mosses were named because of the mossy growth on the peduncles and sepals. Mosses are 3-6 feet tall plants. Most chinas have stems too weak to support the small, non-fragrant blooms that usually come in clusters.
Chinas are also well known for their dramatic color change.
Most will start off yellow or light pink, then change to deep pink or red before the petals fall off. Teas are small to medium-sized plants to 4 feet tall. From the rose Autumn Damask, comes a short lived class called portlands . Portlands were popular in the mid to late 1800's. There are less than 20 portlands commercially available today.