Are you in love with roses but also want some low-maintenance plants? Then, here are some beautiful Succulents That Look Like Rose Flowers!
Roses and succulents are completely different members of the Plantae kingdom, however certain succulents are master mimicry artists and have rosettes of leaves that look like the petal arrangement of a rose bloom! Don’t believe us? Read on to find out for yourself!
Succulents That Look Like Rose Flowers
Note: This article will focus on the leaf and stem structure of the succulents and omit the flowers of the plant in the comparison with rose blooms.
1. Mountain Rose
Botanical Name: Greenovia aurea
If you spot a plant that makes you think, “Is this a rose made up of fleshy leaves,” you are probably looking at a mountain rose! The name itself tells the similarity to a rose! The leaves are commonly greenish but, depending on the variety or cultivar, can also be pinkish in color (especially during the dormant season), which increases the resemblance to a fully bloomed rose.
You would be lucky to get your hands on one of these beauties as they are quite rare. They are native to the Canary Islands and hence thrive in bright indirect sunlight and need well-draining soil.
2. Echeveria ‘Lola’
Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Lola’
If a rose bloom is too small for you why not try the colossal size of the Echeveria ‘Lola’! This plant comes under the echeveria genus and is actually a hybrid variety, a mix between E. lilacina and E. ‘Deresina’. It forms a lovely rose-like rosette and also has the iconic pink color especially on the tips of the foliage while the majority of the leaf is pale grey.
This succulent thrives in desert-like conditions. As a matter of fact it prefers bright light that will improve the bright coloring of the leaves. Along with that it barely needs any water, but remember that it is not frost hardy so bring it inside in cold winters.
3. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
Another member of the Echeveria genus is the Perle von Nurnberg, which itself is a genetical cross between E. gibbiflora ‘Metallica’ and E. elegans. Just like its close cousin above it also has a rosette shape which can have spread of up to 6 inches. These layers of fleshy leaves beautifully mimic those of a rose as they are lavender colored with a touch of pink at the edges.
This Echeveria needs at least 6 hours of full sun and well-draining soil. The more the sunlight the more enhanced the color palate so growing it outdoors in warm regions is perfect.
4. Aeonium ‘Black Rose’
Botanical Name: Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
Its no mystery which flowering plant this succulent mimics, especially after such a revealing name! The Aeonium ‘Black Rose’ is perfect for a goth fan who is also a plant enthusiast as it has all the characteristics of a succulent with an appearance of a typical flower but is dark purple to black in color. The foliage is glossy and shines when exposed to sunlight giving a glass-like effect.
The Black Rose is a hardy succulent that can adapt and survive in almost all conditions but prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Although it may need a bit more water compared to other succulents. Sadly this plant is monocarpic which means after blooming the rosette will die but worry not that happens only after multiple years.
5. Cobweb Houseleek
Botanical Name: Sempervivum arachnoideum
Is it a rose-like rose infested with spiders? Not its actually a Cobweb Houseleek! Just like the others on this list it has a rosette arrangement of leaves that mirrors that of a rose. But what makes it unique is the white, cobweb-like threads covering its leaves. This plant is quite compact (2.5 cm in rosette spread) and has tiny leaves making it look like miniature poky roses that stay low to the ground.
This plant can spread quite vigorously as the mother rosette produces multiple offsets known as chicks. It’s also quite hardy and thrives in poor soil and full sun.
6. Hens and Chicks
Botanical Name: Sempervivum tectorum
Hens and Chicks is the more common member of the Sempervivum genus due to availability and classic rose-like shape! It has leaves that are thick, fleshy and colorful ranging from green all the way to red! Just like the member above this too forms compact rosettes, spreading to create a colony of small “chicks” around the mother plant.
If you choose to grow this mimicry artist succulent, then find a spot where average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils are plentiful and can be exposed to full sun. A cool yet intriguing fact about this plant is that it was historically grown around homes to protect them from lightning in Rome.
7. Graptoveria
Botanical Name: Graptoveria
Graptoveria is a unique succulent that will leave you scratching your head due to its resemblance of a rose as well as a lotus! It has a colorful rosette consisting of thick, plump leaves that come in various shades of pale green to pink. Graptoveria is actually a hybrid cross between Echeveria and Graptopetalum succulents, so it has the best of both worlds!
Like its parent species, it too needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to flourish.
Note: The best variety that has strong rose-like similarities is the Debbie
8. Giant Chalk Dudleya
Botanical Name: Dudleya brittonii
They say to go big or go home, right? Then the Giant Chalk Dudleya will go massive! In comparison to the others, this succulent is a beast but does not lack on the rose-like appearance. It, too, has a rosette structure with fleshy, silvery leaves. Its pale leaves have a powdery coating, hence the chalky appearance.
Growing up to a foot and a half tall and wide, this succulent needs a decent amount of space. It also requires full sun and well-draining soil but can survive in tough coastal conditions.
Now that you’ve discovered these amazing succulents that look like rose flowers, why not try growing one yourself? If you decide to do so, then share your experience with us in the comments below!
