1. The repeat-flowering roses, named for their fragrance being reminiscent of Chinese black tea (although this is not always the case).

2. The color range includes pastel result of crossing two of the original China roses ('Hume's Blush China' and 'Parks' Yellow Tea Scented China') with various Bourbons and Noisette roses, tea roses are considerably more tender than other Old Garden Roses (due to cold-tender Rosa gigantea in the ancestry of the 'Parks' Yellow' rose).

3. The teas are shades of white, pink and yellow, and the petals tend to roll back at the edges, producing a petal with a pointed tip.

4.The individual flowers of many cultivars are semi-pendent and nodding, due to weak flower stalks. Examples: 'Lady Hillingdon', 'Maman Cochet'