They are usually hardy only down to Zone 7, with exceptions noted below. The result is that Tea roses are long-lived, healthy plants that are larger, fuller and more robust than their China rose parents. The exact identity of the prodigy who came up with the idea to combine these two roses is unknown. Although English growers introduced the Teas to the market, Tea rose hybridizing quickly moved to the French Riviera in the mid 1800s. Tea roses weren't happy with the rainy, damp, cool English climate.
Tea roses are either bushy plants or climbers.
The bushy Teas are generally urn-shaped, with abundant foliage and flowers. Large, full, well-formed blooms droop slightly from their long, thin stems. Flower colors are subtle, blushed, creamy pastels. Flower buds are long, narrow, and scrolled, and beautiful in their own right. Tea roses are very good cutting flowers.