Flower Spotlight: Roses

Roses are one of the oldest flowers, dating back to 35 million years ago. With over 150 different species, roses make for a beautiful addition to any bouquet! Keep reading to learn more about their origin, meaning, and some interesting facts!

Origin

Roses were first recorded in 3000 B.C. in what is now Iraq. They were first cultivated 5,000 years ago and were brought to North America in the 16th century by colonists. Roses were grown extensively in the Middle East during the Roman period and have been symbols of love, beauty, war, and politics throughout history.

Facts

• Roses were used for confetti at celebrations, medical purposes, and perfume during the Roman period.
• They are edible and rose water is often added to jellies or jams or used as a flavoring in Indian and Chinese dishes.
• Roses can also grow into a fruit, called a Rose Hip. It’s shaped like a berry and is often red, but can be found in black and dark purple.
• Roses are the National Flower in the US.

Meanings

Roses have symbolized many things over time, with love and beauty being the most common association. Each color represents something different, though, making roses great for many occasions. White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and youthfulness, while ivory roses represent charm, thoughtfulness, and gracefulness. Yellow roses symbolize friendship, joy, and caring, while peach roses represent modesty, genuineness, sincerity, and gratitude. Classy and timeless, roses make for a stunning standalone flower or a perfect addition to any bouquet. Be sure to ask your local florist to use roses the next time you send flowers!