Roses
by Adam Sholes
Part Two of Our Fun Facts About Flowers Series
Roses are the most widely purchased flower in the United States and also the most widely recognizable.
The word Rose comes from the Latin word Rosa. Scientists believe that the rose has been around for about 35 million years and was first cultivated in China about 5000 years ago.
It was widely grown by the Romans who valued it's medicinal value and it's fragrance.
In 15th Century England it was used as a symbol by two warring factions during the War of the Roses. The House of York used the white rose as it's symbol and The House of Lancaster used the red rose.
During the 1600's European royalty so highly valued the rose (and rose water) that they used it to barter and make payments.
Today, the roses that you purchase and place on your table come mainly from three countries: Columbia, Ecuador and the United States (mostly Southern California).
What are some of the meanings of different colors?
Red = Love
Yellow = Friendship
Pink = Love, gratitude, Appreciation
White = Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality
Orange = Excitement, Enthusiasm
To care for cut roses keep the water in your vase clean and use the rose food that your florist gives you. Each time you change the water you should recut your roses because if the stem is going to get blocked it's usually right at the end. Keep your roses cool, out of direct sun and away from sources of heat such as lights and computers. Enjoy!
More information on roses.
Like the roses in the picture? They're available on our website! Click the photo to check them out!
Also in This Series: