The rose, a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosales order, Rosaceae family, and Rosa genus, is one of the most beloved flowers worldwide. Thriving in sunlight, roses are characterized by their thorny stems and distinctive petals, which are shaped like inverted eggs and arranged in single, semi-double, or fully double layers.
Roses typically bloom from May to September, showcasing a diverse palette of colors including white, red, pink, yellow, and various other hues. The symbolism of roses often correlates with their color, though generally, roses represent love, honor, faith, beauty, wisdom, and eternity.
Beyond their ornamental value, roses serve as an important economic crop. Their flowers are utilized in culinary applications and for the extraction of rose oil, a vital ingredient in the cosmetics and fragrance industries.
The rose (scientific name: Rosa spp.) encompasses numerous species within the Rosa genus. While Rosa rugosa Thunb. is one specific species, it’s important to note that there are over 150 species of roses and thousands of cultivars.
Most rose species feature thorny stems, pinnate leaves with 5-9 oval leaflets, and serrated edges. The flowers can be simple or complex, with petals arranged in various configurations from single to fully double forms.
Roses typically fruit from late summer to fall, producing fleshy fruits called rose hips. The growth habit of roses varies widely, from compact shrubs to sprawling climbers, with some varieties blooming once annually and others flowering repeatedly throughout the season.
The rose’s history is as rich as its beauty. Fossil evidence suggests roses have existed for over 35 million years, with cultivation beginning in China around 5,000 years ago. Throughout history, roses have held significant cultural, religious, and symbolic importance across various civilizations.
While color does influence a rose’s specific symbolism, the overarching themes of love, beauty, and balance persist. In many European languages, the word for “rose” remains remarkably similar, highlighting its widespread cultural significance.
Roses serve as the national flower for numerous countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The term “rose” in common usage often refers to various plants within the Rosa genus, including the many hybrid varieties produced through careful breeding programs.
Roses exhibit diverse growth habits, ranging from erect shrubs to sprawling or climbing forms. Most species possess thorns, prickles, or bristles, though some cultivars have been bred to be thornless. The presence of hairs on stems and leaves varies among species and cultivars.
The leaves are typically alternate and odd-pinnate, consisting of 5-9 leaflets, though some species may have single leaflets. Leaflet margins are usually serrated. Stipules, leaf-like structures at the base of the leaf stalk, are generally present and fused to the petiole, though rarely absent in some species.
Rose flowers can be solitary or grouped in various inflorescence types, including corymbs, panicles, or rarely in compound umbels. The flower structure is characteristic of the Rosaceae family:
The fruits of roses, known as rose hips, are fleshy and contain numerous woody achenes. These achenes are the true fruits from a botanical perspective. The basic chromosome number for roses is x=7, though ploidy levels vary among species and cultivars, contributing to the vast diversity within the genus.
This complex morphology, combined with centuries of selective breeding, has resulted in the incredible variety of roses we see today, from wild species to sophisticated hybrid tea roses and everything in between.
Roses come in a myriad of varieties, each with its unique charm and symbolism. This article explores some notable varieties, including Blue Charm, Louis XIV, Diana, Karola, Song of the Sea, Big Peach Red, and Champagne Rose. These roses are not only admired for their beauty but also for the emotions and messages they convey.
The Blue Charm rose is a fascinating variety that attracts attention due to its unusual color. It’s important to note that truly blue roses do not occur naturally; the blue hue is typically achieved through artificial coloring or genetic modification. The Blue Charm symbolizes mystery, the impossible, and the desire for the unattainable. Its blue petals, reminiscent of the sky and sea, convey a sense of tranquility and depth.
Named after the French “Sun King,” the Louis XIV rose is a highly prized variety known for its deep, rich color and intense fragrance. This rose typically displays a dark crimson to purple color, often appearing almost black, rather than being purely black as previously stated. Its blooms symbolize regal elegance, power, and sophistication. The Louis XIV rose is cherished for its strong, spicy fragrance and is often used in perfumery.
The Diana rose is a hybrid tea rose variety, known for its delicate beauty. Its petals range from soft pink to white, often with a blend of both colors. This rose variety was named in honor of Princess Diana, reflecting her grace and charm. The Diana rose symbolizes innocence, purity, and youthful beauty, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets and romantic gestures.
Karola is indeed a red rose variety, but it’s worth noting that there are numerous red rose cultivars available. Karola is known for its vibrant, true red color and classic rose shape. Like most red roses, it symbolizes deep love, passion, and respect. This variety is particularly valued for its long vase life, making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
The Song of the Sea rose is a modern shrub rose known for its unusual lavender to light purple coloration. This variety is prized for its disease resistance and repeat blooming nature. While its scent is described as faint with tea notes, it’s important to note that fragrance can vary based on growing conditions and individual perception. The Song of the Sea rose symbolizes enchantment and can represent a love that is as deep and mysterious as the ocean.
The Big Peach Red rose is a hybrid tea rose variety that features large, well-formed blooms. Its color is typically a blend of peach and red tones, creating a warm, inviting appearance. This rose variety is known for its strong, sweet fragrance. In the language of flowers, it can symbolize desire, excitement, and enthusiasm, making it a popular choice for expressing romantic interest.
The Champagne Rose, also known as the Sterling Silver rose in some regions, is a hybrid tea rose variety. Its color ranges from pale ivory to soft beige, reminiscent of champagne bubbles. This rose is prized for its elegant form and subtle fragrance. Symbolically, the Champagne Rose represents luxury, elegance, and sophistication. It’s often used in wedding bouquets and high-end floral arrangements.
The classification of roses can indeed be complex, especially for hobbyists. Botanically, all cultivated roses belong to the genus Rosa, which is part of the family Rosaceae. The distinctions between what are commonly called “roses,” “Chinese roses,” and “climbing roses” are more horticultural than strictly botanical.
Traditional rose varieties cultivated in China, such as the Bitter Water Rose and Pingyin Rose, are generally species or older cultivars of Rosa. These varieties often have simpler flower forms and bloom once per season. They are typically hardy and well-adapted to local conditions.
In horticultural terms, “Chinese roses” often refer to Rosa chinensis and its hybrids. These roses are known for their ability to repeat bloom throughout the season, a trait that was revolutionary when introduced to Western horticulture. They typically have a strong fragrance and are often used in perfumery and culinary applications.
Climbing roses are not a distinct botanical category but rather a horticultural classification based on growth habit. They can be derived from various Rosa species and hybrids. These roses have long, flexible canes that can be trained to climb structures. They vary widely in flower size, form, and blooming habits. Many modern climbing roses are repeat bloomers, contrary to the statement that they generally bloom once a year.
In conclusion, the world of roses is vast and diverse, with each variety offering unique characteristics in terms of color, fragrance, symbolism, and growth habits. Whether used in gardens, as cut flowers, or for their aromatic properties, roses continue to captivate and inspire horticulturists and flower enthusiasts alike.
Roses thrive in full sunlight and demonstrate remarkable resilience to frost and drought. They prefer well-drained, loose, and fertile loam or light loam soils. In clay soils, their growth is stunted, and flowering is less prolific.
For optimal growth, roses should be planted in well-ventilated areas away from walls to prevent sun reflection from scorching flower buds and impeding blooming.
As photophilic plants, roses require ample sunlight for rich flower color and strong fragrance. If sunlight exposure during the growing season falls below 8 hours daily, plants will exhibit elongated growth without flowering.
While roses are not particularly demanding in terms of air humidity, low temperatures combined with high humidity can lead to rust and powdery mildew infections. During the flowering period, moderate air humidity is beneficial, whereas high temperatures and dry conditions can diminish essential oil production in the flowers.
Roses tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. In regions with winter snow cover, they can withstand temperatures as low as -38°C to -40°C. In areas without snow cover, they can tolerate temperatures of -25°C to -30°C.
However, they are susceptible to damage from dry spring winds, especially when soil remains frozen and surface winds are strong. Once the soil thaws, enabling roots to transport water and nutrients to the stem, wind damage becomes less severe. In arid regions with a dryness index exceeding 4, irrigation is necessary for normal development.
Roses are cultivated worldwide, with their origins traced to North China, Japan, and Korea. They are now grown throughout China and distributed across East Asia, Bulgaria, India, Russia, the United States, and Korea.
Roses are erect shrubs that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. Their stems are thick and form clusters, while twigs are densely covered with pubescence, thorns, and glandular hairs. The thorns are erect or curved, light yellow, and covered with pubescence.
Leaves are compound with 5-9 leaflets and petioles 5-13 cm long. Individual leaflets are oval or ovate, measuring 1.5-4.5 cm in length and 1-2.5 cm in width. Leaflet tips are sharp or rounded, with bases that are round or broadly cuneate.
Leaf margins have sharp serrations. The upper surface is dark green and glabrous, with sunken veins creating a wrinkled texture. The lower surface is gray-green with raised midveins, prominent venation, and dense pubescence and glandular hairs, though the latter may be less conspicuous in some varieties.
Petioles and leaf rachises are densely covered with pubescence and glandular hairs. Stipules are mostly adnate to the petiole, with free portions that are ovate, glandular-serrate along the margins, and pubescent on the underside.
Flowers are borne singly in leaf axils or in clusters. Bracts are ovate with glandular-hairy margins and pubescent exteriors. Flower stalks measure 5-22.5 mm long and are densely covered with pubescence and glandular hairs. Flowers typically measure 4-5.5 cm in diameter.
Sepals are ovate-lanceolate with caudate tips, often featuring pinnate lobes that extend into leaf-like structures. The upper surface of sepals has sparse soft hairs, while the underside is densely covered with soft hairs and glandular hairs.
Petals are obovate, ranging from double to semi-double, and are fragrant with colors varying from purplish-red to white. Styles are free, hairy, slightly protruding beyond the calyx tube, and significantly shorter than the stamens.
The fruit is a flattened sphere, 2-2.5 cm in diameter, brick-red in color, fleshy, and smooth with persistent sepals. Roses typically flower from May to June and bear fruit from August to September.
Roses can be cultivated using two primary methods: pruning and branch pressing. Pruning requires advanced techniques, results in slower flowering but higher yield, with a lower proportion of commercial-grade flowers. The branch pressing method is less technically demanding, promotes faster flowering with lower yield, but produces higher quality cut flowers.
Before planting, thoroughly turn the soil and disinfect it with appropriate pesticides, ensuring complete mixing of soil and fertilizer. Prepare ridges 12 cm wide and 5.5-6.0 m long, separated by 40 cm wide ditches. The soil should maintain some structure for proper aeration, as overly fine soil can impede seedling emergence and subsequent growth. Leave a 50 cm buffer on the greenhouse’s south side.
Roses can be planted year-round, with spring and autumn being optimal seasons. Plant in double rows per ridge, with 40 cm between rows and 10-12 cm between plants. Maintain a 40 cm spacing between cultivation beds on both sides. Plant density averages 7-8 plants/m², or about 63,000 plants/hectare for seedling protection, though this may vary by cultivar.
Post-planting care includes timely cultivation and vigilant pest control, particularly against red spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Begin branch pressing when plants reach about 25 cm in height, performing this task at midday on sunny days to prevent breakage.
Roses typically have a five-year productive lifespan, necessitating heavy fertilization. Apply approximately 60 tonnes/hectare of well-rotted organic fertilizer, 750 kg/hectare of diammonium phosphate, and 2,250 kg/hectare of superphosphate.
Irrigate the soil about a week before planting to ensure bed moisture. Water thoroughly immediately after planting. On sunny days, mist 1-2 times between 12:00-16:00 to maintain surface moisture.
Adjust watering and fertilization based on soil conditions, climate, and plant growth. Inadequate soil moisture can cause leaf drop, so water promptly when the ground appears dry.
Primarily used for developing new varieties. Collect seeds in autumn and store in plastic bags with moist sand, subjecting them to alternating freeze-thaw cycles for about a month. Gradually increase temperature to 20°C to induce sprouting. Sow sprouted seeds immediately or store in sand until spring. Transplant seedlings when they develop 3-5 true leaves.
Softwood cuttings: Select new spring growth, cut with a sharp knife, treat with rooting hormone, and plant in a cutting bed or small pot.
Semi-hardwood cuttings: Choose post-flowering branches between June and September. Prepare 2-3 node sections, remove lower leaves, trim remaining foliage, apply rooting hormone, and insert into a prepared bed.
Hardwood cuttings: Before winter, cut mature one-year-old branches into 2-3 node sections. Bundle in groups of 10 and bury upside down in moist sand in a cool greenhouse. In early spring, transfer to a cutting bed.
Water propagation: Select semi-hardwood or hardwood branches with 1-2 leaves, cut base flat, and place in water. Maintain at 15-20°C in sunlight, changing water every 2-3 days. Transplant to soil when new roots develop a light yellow or brown color.
Bud grafting: Select mature buds from the mother plant every 5-9 days. Graft 1-2 buds onto Pyrus ussuriensis or Rosa rootstock. Alternatively, graft multiple buds 8-10 cm apart on a single rootstock branch, then divide and treat as cuttings.
Branch grafting: Perform in spring using cleft, whip, or side veneer techniques to graft desirable varieties onto Rosa or Pyrus ussuriensis rootstocks.
Root grafting: During winter dormancy or early spring, graft a scion onto Rosa or Pyrus ussuriensis rootstock indoors. Once the graft union heals, transplant to a pot or garden.
Ground layering: During the growing season, wound a branch below a bud, bend and bury it in moist soil with the tip exposed. Once roots develop, sever and transplant.
Air layering: Choose a suitable branch section, create a wound or remove a 1-1.5 cm ring of bark. Surround the area with moist soil held in place by bamboo or plastic. After about a month, when roots emerge, cut and plant the new rose.
Plant roses deeply or mound soil around the base to encourage root development from branch stems. When repotting, separate rooted side branches to create new plants.
Powdery mildew primarily affects young leaves but can also infect mature leaves, flower stems, pedicels, and even branches.
Infected leaves exhibit characteristic bulging, with affected areas turning pale and developing a powdery substance. As the infection progresses, leaves curl due to uneven surface growth, and the fungus spreads, eventually covering the entire leaf underside with a gray-white mold. In severe cases, buds, pedicels, entire stems, and leaves become engulfed in mold, causing new buds and leaves to curl.
This disease typically occurs from late autumn to early spring when there are significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, coupled with high humidity. Optimal conditions for fungal spore production, germination, and infection include nighttime temperatures around 15°C and high humidity levels up to 90%.
During the day, temperatures of 27°C and lower humidity (40-70%) facilitate spore maturation and dispersal. When these conditions arise, early preventive spraying is crucial. Powdery mildew spreads primarily through air currents.
Control methods: Regular application of fungicides such as triadimefon (600 times dilution) or carbendazim (800 times dilution) is effective.
Apply every 7-10 days, and frequent leaf watering can significantly reduce powdery mildew incidence. Promptly remove infected branches and leaves to minimize further spread.
Downy mildew primarily affects leaves, new shoots, stems, pedicels, and petals, initially infecting growth points and causing leaves to turn purple to dark brown. Infected leaves develop irregular small spots, gradually wither or fall off, and diseased shoots dry up.
Flowers, pedicels, and petals exhibit similar spotting. Under high humidity conditions, a gray-white mold layer readily appears on all infected parts.
In dry conditions, the pathogen may not be visible, but when wet, extensive mold growth occurs, producing sporangia and sporangiophores. This disease is most prevalent in greenhouses during spring and autumn.
Significant day-night temperature differences, poor ventilation, near-saturation humidity levels, and leaf wetness or dew formation can lead to prolonged and more severe infections.
Control methods: Select disease-resistant varieties, provide meticulous care, maintain relative humidity below 85%, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization. At the first sign of infection, immediately apply 72% chlorothalonil.
Aphids can be problematic year-round but are particularly harmful in dry conditions. Prompt elimination is essential, especially during periods of vigorous new bud growth.
Various insecticides are effective for control, with key spray areas being growth points and leaf undersides. Commonly used pesticides include aphid-specific formulations. Phoxim fumigation is highly effective but should not be used post-flowering.
Red spider mites extract chlorophyll from leaves, significantly reducing the photosynthetic efficiency of roses. They reproduce and spread rapidly, quickly damaging leaves and stunting plant growth. These pests are most prevalent during summer, thriving in hot and dry conditions.
At the first sign of infestation, apply a 600-fold dilution of a suitable acaricide. For prevention and control, a 1000 to 1500-fold dilution of Acaricide Sharp can be highly effective.
Medicinal Use
Roses contain over 300 chemical constituents including aromatic alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids, phenols, and fragrant essential oils and fats. Regular consumption of rose-based products can soothe the liver, stimulate appetite, regulate qi and blood, beautify the skin, and refresh the spirit.
The newly bloomed flowers and roots of roses have medicinal properties that regulate qi, promote blood circulation, and provide astringency. They are commonly used to treat menstrual irregularities, trauma injuries, liver and stomach pain, and swollen and painful breasts.
Rose hips, rich in Vitamins C and P, can be made into jam with a distinctive flavor. They can help prevent acute and chronic infectious diseases, coronary heart disease, liver disease, and the formation of carcinogens.
Rose essential oil (rose water), extracted from rose petals through distillation, can activate male hormones and sperm. It also improves skin texture and promotes blood circulation and metabolism.
Nutritional Value
Roses are a rich source of trace elements and Vitamin C. They can be used to create various culinary delights such as rose sugar, rose cakes, rose tea, rose wine, rose pickles, and rose paste. In some European regions, roses are directly edible, with roots and stems being cooked, and roots used to brew wine.
Mature rose fruits are particularly rich in Vitamins A, B, and C, along with over ten types of amino acids, soluble sugars, and alkaloids. The Vitamin C content is exceptionally high, with over 2000mg per 100g, earning roses the title “King of Vitamin C”.
Rose fruits also contain significant amounts of protein (8.5%), fat (4.7%), soluble sugar (1.2%), and carbohydrates (68%), as well as essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
The residue from rose flower processing is rich in glucose (18.33% to 23.66%), starch (21.75% to 22.63%), and amino acids (total content up to 10.9%). This residue can be used to produce natural food coloring and even soy sauce, demonstrating the versatility and sustainability of rose cultivation.
Fragrance
Roses are a prized source of fragrant oil, with rose oil commanding high prices in the international market. Its value is such that 1kg of rose oil is equivalent to 1.25kg of gold, earning it the nickname “liquid gold”.
Certain aromatic varieties, such as Chinese roses and Bulgarian damask roses, are specifically cultivated for the extraction of expensive rose oil or for use in confectionery. For instance, rose oil extracted from bitter roses grown in Yongdeng County, Gansu Province, is used in high-end fragrances and premium cosmetics.
Rose oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in the global perfume industry due to its pure composition and aromatic fragrance. It’s widely used in Europe for manufacturing high-end perfumes and other cosmetics.
Rose water, a by-product of rose oil extraction, is a natural skincare product with excellent anti-aging and anti-itching properties. Additionally, the bark of rose roots can be used as a yellow dye for silk and other fabrics, further demonstrating the plant’s versatility.
National/City Flower
The rose, with its rich cultural symbolism, has long been recognized as a symbol of love, sympathy, or sorrow. It is respected as the national or city flower by many countries worldwide, including Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Luxembourg, and the Maldives, among others.
Symbolism of Roses
In Western culture, roses are associated with confidentiality. The Latin phrase “Sub rosa” (“under the rose”) and its English equivalent originate from the German “unter der Rosen,” referring to the practice of hanging rose paintings or carvings in meeting spaces to remind attendees of discretion.
This symbolism traces back to Roman mythology, where Venus’ son, Cupid, gave Horus a rose to ensure his silence about Venus’ compromising situation. Horus, accepting the rose, became the “God of Silence,” thus establishing the rose as a symbol of confidentiality.
The Language of Roses
Different rose colors convey distinct meanings:
This “language of roses” allows for nuanced communication through floral arrangements, adding depth to the cultural significance of these beloved flowers.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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