All About Roses

History of Roses

Since human civilization, roses have always been an inescapable part of our lives for the very reason that they are close to our hearts. The history of roses dates to almost 35 million years ago when the earliest roses and its hips were found in Europe. Right from the time then, the flower has traveled millions of years, from Ancient Roman Period to Medieval Period to Modern Period.

Journey of roses in Ancient Roman Period

The references to roses were not only found in Christian literary, but also in Confucian and Buddhist religious literature. They reached the height of European favor in the 1200s.

The Romans cultivated roses with great excitement, and crown them to newly married couples. Romans conferred roses as a token of reverence and affection.

During this period, the women of high society used petals of roses in wine because it was believed that the essence of roses would take-off drunkenness. Also, the victorious armies were showered with rose petals from the balconies above the streets.

Roses in the Middle Ages

Roses became the symbol of political upheaval between 1455 to 1487 in England where a series of civil wars were witnessed to gain control over the throne of England. The war is famously called as 'War of roses'.

It was fought between members of the House of Lancaster whose symbol was red roses and the house of York whose symbol was a white rose.

Roses in Modern Period

The introduction of the first hybrid rose 'La France' by Gulliot in 1867 paved the way for the establishment of Modern Era. It was considered unique for several horticulture reasons.
Subsequently, the interest of garden roses developed across the world.

Rose Planting Tips

Planting a rose is easy. Follow the tips.

The pH of soil used should be in the range of 5.5-7. The ideal pH of the soil in home gardens should be 6.5 to be precise.

Order the breed you want to grow from the market.

Select the spot where the planted roses will receive at least 5-6 hours of sunlight. Stuff the base with organic matter such as lawn clippings, manures, compost, corn stalks, etc.

Water your roses diligently. Watering around 4 to 5 liters of water a week is usually enough.

Feed roses on a regular basis throughout their blooming cycle. Avoid chemical fertilizers.

Once in a month apply one cup of granular fertilizers on the stem and sprinkle it around.

Destroy all old and diseased plant materials to keep the bed clean. It will also help in reducing pests.

Continue watering and stop fertilizing six weeks before the first frost.

There are several easy to grow breeds that you can plant in your garden house. Pink roses, Yellow roses, and Rugosas are a few of them.

Roses Color Meanings

Sending a bunch of roses to convey your heartfelt message is the best way to express your love for the receiver. Every rose has its distinct meaning. Here's is what every rose has to say!

Red Rose

Most often appearing in literature, poetry, classical artwork, contemporary movies, and elsewhere, a red rose symbolizes love and romance. So, whether you are presenting it on Valentine's Day, birthday, or any other occasion, red roses spell 'I love you.?

Pink Rose

Pink roses are quite versatile in their expression. They delineate love, admiration, appreciation, and gratitude. You can present them to your friend, fianc, colleague, boss or any of your beloved whom you want to convey these expressions irrespective of the occasion.

White Rose

Traditionally associated with spirituality and weddings, white roses are revered by many across the world. More often, a new beginning calls for white roses than any other flower. They are also considered as a gesture of remembrance. So, be it, anyone, you can convey 'I miss you' by sending a bunch of the same.

Yellow rose

Let yellow rose take the front seat when you want to convey a joyful message. Yellow roses express joy, good health, and a symbol of friendship. They are also congratulatory, making them a perfect way of appreciating people's efforts.

Orange Rose

The blazing disposition of orange roses represents enthusiasm and passion. These tangerine blooms add energy and liveliness to your living spaces, making it a perfect present for summertime occasions.

Fun Facts about Roses

Roses have some cool and amazing facts that you may have never heard before. Let's explore.

The world's oldest living rose is more than 1000 years old in Germany. It is believed that it is blooming since 815 A.D.

The world's most expensive rose was priced at 5 million USD. It was famed by breeder David Austin in 2006.

There are no black roses. What appears to be black are dark red roses.

There are more than 100 species of roses.

Rose is amongst the three flowers cited in Bible. The other two are Lilies and Camphire.

Roses are also associated with sympathy and sorrow,

Roses can live long. Rose fossils that date back to almost 35 million years have been discovered.

Roses as a gift

Choosing a bouquet of roses is just not enough. The number of stems you choose to present also has something to say. 

Caring for your Roses

Roses need maintenance so that they keep flowering all seasons. Here is how you can care for them.

Give them a summer prune

If your roses aren't looking rosy as they were, it is time for a to give your roses a summer prune. Take out a bunch of long-stemmed flowers from the lot to encourage new growth. Wear gloves, and remove 20-30cm old roses.

Feeding following pruning

Pruning encourages the growth of new roses. Therefore, extra food and water need to be supplied to fuel the optimal growth of the roses.

Mulch

Spread organic manure or rose food around each plant after watering. Layer this with organic mulch or manure. It helps feed the plant and nourishes the soil with essential nutrients. At this point, you can expect your flowers in about 6 to 8 weeks.

How to care for rose bouquets

A bouquet of fresh flowers can make up someone's day. Rose bouquets are the most popular arrangement and keeping them fresh will enliven the aura of your living spaces. Here listed are a few things that you must follow to achieve the same.

Take off/trim the leaves from the stems that surround the flower to keep them fresh for a long time and enhance their appearance
Trim around 1 inch of the stem under fresh water for its absorption to maximize the life of your bouquet. Keep repeating this step every few days.

Filling the vase with fresh water and flower food will nourish the fresh roses and inhibit any bacterial growth.

Arrange the stems in the vase with the taller ones at the back of the arrangement which will help with the right support.