- Tea roses originated in China but were brought to Europe in the mid-1800s. The roses were valued for their smell, which was described as being like "the choicest tea." European climates proved difficult for the delicate, climbing roses and gardeners began to interbreed species, thus creating new tea rose varieties.
- Original tea roses belonged to the R. chinensis x and the R. gigantea species. Once in Europe, they were cross-bred with Bourbon roses and took on a different form. They became the robust, shrub-like, high-blooming varieties seen today.
- Modern yellow tea rose varieties include the pale, almost white Elina, the light yellow Summer Sunshine and the deep yellow Midas Touch.
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