Roses: The history, care of, and meanings behind the most popular flower in the world

Excerpt from
A Little Budding Rose by Emily Bronte
It was a little budding rose,
Round like a fairy globe,
And shyly did its leaves unclose
Hid in their mossy robe,
But sweet was the slight and spicy smell
It breathed from its heart invisible….

History
The rose is one of the oldest plant species and has been a beloved and celebrated flower for thousands of years. Thought to be symbols of love and beauty, poets, artists, florists and gardeners alike delight in the beauty and delicate nature of its fragrant blooms. Acient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all celebrated the rose with awe and reverence. The rose plant was used as a decoration and for medicinal purposes, to cure gout and stomach upsets. The Catholic Rosary was originally made of 150 dried roses and England has adopted the rose as its national flower. During the 17th century, roses and rose water were deemed so valuable, they were used by royalty as legal tender. Roses, from the family Rosaceae, are over 35 million years old and there are 150 species in the northern hemisphere. Some people say that these flowers were cultivated in gardens as many as 5000 years ago. The hardiness of these flowers, combined with their diversity and appearance may account for their popularity. Roses bloom over a longer period of time than most other shrubs and plants in the garden and are therefore sought after as permanent fixtures in many a yard.

Meanings
Traditionally, roses are the most popular flower at the florists shop. A staple in wedding bouquets, funeral arrangements, holiday arrangements and as an everyday token, roses are flowers that make a statement. Whether giving a single rose, a bouquet to a loved one; or sending flowers to acknowledge an event, the giver can rely on the face that their message will be received without words.

• A single red rose: “I love you”
• A single purple rose: “Love at first sight”

Bouquets

• Red: love, beauty
• White: purity, innocence, youth, heavenly
• Pink: appreciation, “Thank you” happiness, joy
• Yellow: friendship, remembrance, delight, joy
• Peach: appreciation, modesty
• Orange: desire
• Purple (or lavender): enchantment, mystery
• Red and white: unity
  
  Care

In order to successfully cultivate roses, gardeners must be sure to provide and area that is in full to partial (morning) sun with more than adequate drainage. The plants and shrubs need to be watered regularly as they are active bloomers all summer long and need continual moisture to promote their growth. Roses should be pruned in earl spring and deadheaded often – until late August - in order to make room for new buds. Shrub roses and old garden roses are the most popular kinds; the Hardy variety is the easiest to keep and is a beautiful accent to any garden.

The variety of rose plant you select should be based on your garden’s growing conditions, size and above all, personal taste. They should be planted at least 24” apart and deep enough to allow the roots to be covered up to the “bud union” or “graft union”, about 15” usually. The soil should be loose around the roots and not tamped, allowing for both drainage and air circulation. Allow for 6 hours of sun per day at least and mulch if desired. Roses should be cut at a 45 degree angle when preparing for bouquets.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with floriculture and Calgary Flowers.