Roses are considered the most beautiful, popular, and loved flowers in the world.
This is because roses have an enchanting appearance and shape.
In fact, roses are more than just a cliché for Valentine's Day. These beautiful flowers are beloved worldwide for many good reasons. Roses are incredibly versatile, used for various event decorations and incorporated into beauty and skincare products. Here are some fascinating rose facts!
1. One of the Oldest Flowers
Archaeologists have discovered rose fossils dating back 35 million years. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the rose is the oldest plant species cultivated for ornamental purposes. Roses (genus Rosa, family Rosaceae) are the oldest cultivated plants, used for decorative purposes.
Documents dated to 50 AD show that ancient Romans grew roses in large plantations and local greenhouses to ensure a year-round supply of medicinal extracts, cooking ingredients, and ornamental decorations.
2. Roses Can Live for a Very Long Time
Another interesting fact about roses is that they can live for an incredibly long time. The oldest known rose is believed to live up to 1,000 years. This rose grows on the walls of Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany, and its existence has been documented since 815 AD.
According to legend, the rose bush symbolizes the prosperity of the city of Hildesheim. In 1945, Allied bombers destroyed the cathedral, but the rose bush survived. Its roots remained intact beneath the rubble and soon grew back strong.
3. Roses Are Edible
Roses are not just for decoration. In fact, they have a long history of being used as food and medicine. Roses are classified as herbal and are recognized as a beneficial plant. Their petals are edible, and rose water (made by soaking petals in water) is often added to jellies or jams or used as a flavoring in Indian and Chinese cuisine.
4. Some Rose Varieties Contain Vitamin C
Another interesting fact about roses is that some varieties contain vitamin C. Roses produce a fruit known as rose hips, which are shaped like berries.
These fruits can be orange, red, dark purple, or even black. Rose hips are packed with vitamin C and can be dried to make tea. This is why some rose varieties are sometimes used to make jams and jellies. Rose hips are also used in dietary supplements and medicine.
5. Each Rose Color Has a Different Meaning
Roses are symbols of love, but the color of each rose carries a different meaning. In fact, these meanings can vary across different cultures. This is another fascinating fact about roses. Here’s the meaning of roses based on their color:
- Red roses symbolize love and romance.
- White roses symbolize purity, sincerity, and spirituality.
- Pink roses represent elegance and happiness.
- Yellow roses stand for friendship and cheerfulness, while orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and energy.
6. Once the Most Expensive Flower in the World
Rose breeder David Austin spent 5 million USD (around IDR 76 billion) over 15 years to create an apricot-colored hybrid rose called Juliet. Juliet made its debut in 2006 at the Chelsea Flower Show and shocked the flower world. Not only was it admired for its stunning beauty, but it also became the most expensive rose ever developed. Juliet was sold for 15.8 million USD (IDR 230 billion) in 2006, making it the most expensive rose cultivar in the world.
Summary
The rose's timeless beauty and rich symbolism continue to captivate hearts around the world, making it a beloved flower for various occasions and a remarkable part of botanical history!
