Rosa, commonly known as Rose, is a genus of about 150 species of deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials in the family Rosaceae, native to the regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world prized for its beauty, as well as its many useful qualities. They are famous for their strong fragrance and attractive multi-petalled flowers surrounded by the strong and sharp thorns of the Rose bush. Flowers vary in size and shape and are often followed by red or purple fruits known as “Rose hips”. Roses are great for any floral occasion. They are present and they are everywhere where love blooms!
Name meaning
The genus name comes from the Latin word “rosa”, which comes from the Greek word “rhodon”, words the ancient Romans and Greeks used for both the flower and the color red.
It is also believed that it was borrowed from the Old Persian word of “wurdi”, which means “flower”.
Rosa symbolism
Generally, Rose is a symbol of love. Roses are one of the most popular flowers to give to someone you love.
However, Roses have a wide variety of meanings, depending on the color of the flower. For example:
Red Rose is a flower of love and deep emotions.
Pink Rose means admiration, joy and gratitude.
Yellow Rose symbolizes friendship and caring.
White Rose represents innocence and purity. White Roses are popular funeral flowers because they symbolize innocence and purity of the soul that has recently left this world.
Purple Rose symbolizes enchantment and “love at first sight”.
Blue Rose means: “mystery or something desired but unattainable”.
Black rose symbolizes death.
Interesting facts about Rosa
A Brief History of Roses
According to the University of Illinois Extension program, Roses are 35 million years old and cultivated for thousands of years. The oldest Rose fossils have been found in Colorado, USA.
Its popularity began in Asia and spread throughout the world, becoming one of the most loved flowers of the garden.
Roses in History and Culture
Roses have always held a special place in cultures all over the world.
In ancient Egypt, Roses were considered the most sacred flowers. Wreaths of Roses adorned Egyptian tombs, as they believed it possessed magical properties. They have been found inside burial tombs and inside the binding of mummified bodies.
They have been found in Egyptian tombs and were used as offerings for the Goddess Isis. The paintings of Roses were discovered in the tomb of the pharaoh Thutmose IV.
Roses have always been popular with the Greeks for their fragrance, beauty and charm. According to greek mythology, these flowers were created by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Roses grew from her tears and the blood of her lover Adonis.
The legend about Aphrodite was adopted by the Romans, who made this flower a symbol of beauty and love.
Rosa chinensis, also known as Chinese Rose, is very popular in China and is commonly referred to as the “Queen of Flowers”.
The Netherlands is the world’s leading exporter of these flowers.
What Are Rose Hips?
Rose hips, sometimes called the fruit of the Rose, are the fruit of the plant which appears after the bloom has faded and died away.
In summer, they can be found as a swollen green part of the stem just underneath the flower. They turn red or purple in the fall, and are eaten by many species of birds and other animals. They are also edible for humans and very rich in vitamin C!
The War of the Roses
The battles of the “Wars of the Roses” took place between 1455 and 1487 in England. The Wars of the Roses was fought for the throne between two rival families, the House of York and the House of Lancaster. The white Rose symbolized York and the red Rose symbolized Lancaster. The war ended when Henry Tudor of Lancaster killed King Richard III of York. In 1485, Henry of Lancaster came to the throne of England as Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. After the end of the Wars of the Roses, Tudor Henry VII created the Rose of England (Tudor Rose) by crossbreeding other Roses, conjoining the White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster.
Do Black Roses Exist In Nature?
Black Rose doesn’t exists in nature, although breeders and genetic engineers are trying to make one.
It appears to originate from a fairytale world.
Benefits and Uses
Rose has had many uses over its long history.
It has been used as a medicine, food, for perfumes, cosmetics, for decoration and arrangements, etc.
The healing properties of the plant has been used in medicine for thousands of years.
It has been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, skin problems, menstrual problems, liver and heart diseases. Various studies have confirmed the anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor effects of the plant against cancer cells. It is also known for its ability to strengthen the digestive system. It helps to fight diarrhea, sluggish digestion, and constipation, and reduces the problem of indigestion to a great extent.
Rose essential oil is one of the most popular scents in aromatherapy. It helps to heal stress, anxiety, depression and strong emotional disorders, and is good for mental calmness and emotional stability. The plant is reputed to have aphrodisiac powers, too. Damask rose is the variety most often used in aromatherapy.
Roses are edible, too. The flowers flavor cakes, biscuits, jellies, jams, puddings, syrups and wine. Extracts from Rosehips are added to salads, sauces, soups, food supplements, probiotic beverages and teas.
The darker the variety, the better flavor you’ll get!
Roses are highly prized for their beauty, durability and versatility, and are often used as ornamentals in gardens and landscapes.
In this article you can learn more about different types of roses and how to grow them.
Rosa Plant Data
Plant Type:
Climbers, Roses, Shrubs
Color:
Roses range in color from white and yellow to red, pink and purple.
Hardiness Zones:
2-10
Blooms in:
Spring, Autumn, Summer
Height:
Roses range in size from dwarf species to climbers that can reach 12 metres (40 ft) in height.
Soil needs:
This plant grows best in moist and well drained soil, with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0.
