Since 1969, June has been National Rose Month.
Here are some fun facts about this popular flower:
• The rose is called the “Queen of the Flowers.”
• The rose is one of the oldest flowers in cultivation, having been grown for over 5000 years
• Romans used to carpet their huge banquet halls with rose petals and it is said that Cleopatra once received Marc Antony in a room literally knee-deep in rose petals.
• There are species of rose that are native to the United States.
• Rose fossils that have been carbon dated as 35 million years old have been found in Montana, Oregon and Colorado.
• There are over 30,000 rose varieties known today.
• The rose is the official National Floral Emblem of the United States – made into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
• The state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia.
• George Washington was our first US rose breeder.
• 60% of roses grown in the US are produced in California.
• According to the Society of American Florists, the rose tops the list of the most popular fresh cut flowers in the US
• The most popular rose holidays in the US are Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas.
• The world’s largest rosebush is in Tombstone, Arizona. Planted from a slip from another rosebush in the late 18th century, its trunk is nearly six feet around. When in full bloom, this rosebush has more than 200,000 blossoms – and its branches spread out six feet thick over an arbor under which more than 150 people can be seated comfortably.
Caring for Rose Bouquets
A fresh rose should last from three to seven days. Be sure that the flowers do not run out of preservative solution in their vase. Check daily and add more solution to keep the vase full. Any floral foam used must be kept submerged.
Saying it with Roses
While red roses are traditionally credited with meaning “love,” don’t let that stop you from sending other colors. For you traditionalists, here are the meanings that are most often assigned to rose colors.
Coral and Orange: Enthusiasm, DesirePink: Grace, Gentility, Friendship
Deep Pink: Gratitude and Appreciation
Light Pink: Admiration and Sympathy
Red: Passionate Love, Respect, Courage
Red & White: Unity
Red & Yellow Blends: Jovial and Happy Feelings
White: Innocence and Purity, You’re Heavenly, Reverence, Humility, I’m Worthy of You, Secrecy, Silence
Yellow: Joy, Gladness
Pale Colors: Sociability and Friendship
Rosebuds: Beauty, Youth, Heart Innocent of Love
Two Dozen Red Roses
