“What a lovely thing a rose is!” – Arthur Conan Doyle.
We all love and appreciate the beauty of roses here at Oleander, and not just for Valentine’s day either! As queen of all flowers, the rose evokes romance, passion and a sense of timeless beauty. It just so happens that June is the month of the rose. Not only are they in season, gracefully blooming in gardens across the world, but they are also one of the most popular choices for wedding flowers. Unsurprising really, given their breathtaking appearance, heavenly scent and strong message of love. To celebrate this ruler of blooms, we thought we’d share a few facts.
According to the American Rose Society, roses are one of the most versatile plants. There are more than 150 species across the Northern Hemisphere, and even more around the globe. Both wild and domesticated roses grow in North America and they can bloom constantly from early spring to late fall, providing wonderful coverage, colour and smell in the garden.
Because of their appearance and distinctive fragrance, they have long been associated with lovers, artists and poets. Appearing in every shape, size and colour imaginable, the beauty of the rose is elevated even more by the meanings people attach — the memory of a first love, a special date, a wedding, or for some, even the heartbreak of romance.
The story of the rose has long been documented throughout history. In Ancient Greece, the flower was closely associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire, the rose became identified with the Virgin Mary and the rose symbol eventually led to the creation of the rosary. The rose is the national flower of England, and in 1986, was adopted as the national floral emblem of the United States. In 1930, Rosa acicularis (wild rose or prickly rose) was adopted as the provincial flower of Alberta.
Whilst red roses are traditionally gifted to a love interest, (according to The Bachelor, anyway) white roses are typically thought of as a symbol of innocence and new beginnings, with their representation of elegance and eternity making them a popular choice for weddings and sympathy flowers. Pink, on the other hand, is associated with appreciation, thankfulness and joy, so is an ideal colour for celebrating a graduation, or a job well done. We think, however, that you don’t need to stick to tradition when choosing what colour to send - just go with whatever you like the most!
As much as we love the majestic rose, they can be finicky little things. Here are our top tips for ensuring your cut roses stay magnificent for as long as possible:
- Prepare a clean vase filled with fresh water
- Remove any leaves from stems that will be submerged in water and remove any guard petals that surround the blooms
- Cut stems on an angle to allow for maximum water uptake
- Ensure water is kept topped up regularly
- Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat sources
So, whether you’re planning a wedding, looking for a dozen roses expertly arranged in a vase, or gifting a beautiful hand-tied bouquet, we’ve got all your rose-needs covered. Give us a call on (416) 236 8273, or visit oleander.ca and we’ll be delighted to help. And remember, “If you really screw up, send roses.” – Letitia Baldrige