From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Paint the Roses?
North Star English base rules

Whoever most recently watered a plant goes first.
Rule details
Give that player the Greenhouse. They begin by choosing and placing a Shrub tile; the group then contributes clues and guesses.
At the end of a continuing turn, replenish and pass the Greenhouse to the player on the left, who becomes the active player.
The two-player rules and Expert variation change other parts of play or setup, while retaining this starting-player criterion.
Source & edition
- Paint the Roses: North Star Games rulesNorth Star Games · Setup step 7; How to Play; Place a Tile and Place Clue Tokens; Moving the Queen; Two-Player Rules and Expert Variation; credits; player aid · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 19, unnumbered player aid
Image: © North Star Games · North Star Games
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
More starting rules
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