Women love flowers. That's no secret. And we especially love roses. In fact, in a recent poll, 65% said they preferred roses when receiving a gift of flowers. The rose is so loved that the image of a rose is found in more sculptures, paintings, and engravings than another other flower. Its fragrance and oil is used in many cosmetics, and it's frequently used as a standard in prose from poetry to greeting cards. And did I mention that women love flowers?
It's part of many formal celebrations, including one's 4th wedding anniversary. And there's a long list of surprising facts about roses.
Did you know -
- Roses can grow up to 23 feet tall?
- The oldest rose plant is believed to be over 1,000 years?
- The largest rose flower is over eight inches, and the smallest is the size of a grain of rice?
It's also more durable than you might think. Roses have been embalmed and preserved for extended periods of time. And Love Picker has even found a way to gold plate them.
It might also surprise you to learn that there are over 150 species and over 7,500 varieties of roses in the world. Of course, from a floral standpoint, we're familiar with just a few. If that's a bit overwhelming, here's a list of the basics about roses. (You might want to print this out and share with your significant other . . . "hint, hint!")
Colors of Roses
Roses are found sporting virtually every color of the rainbow. Yes, even blue. But no black. The traditional color of red, signifying love, is the most common. And the most common given as a gift. Other more common colors are white, yellow, and pink. Here's the meaning associated with some of the colors other than red.
- White - Innocence, purity, new beginnings.
- Yellow - Cheerful, happiness, friendship.
- Pink - Gentleness, grace, sweetness.
Of course, they're all quite beautiful. Just be sure you know the meaning of what you're giving.
Fragrances
All roses do not smell the same. In fact, some roses, particularly small varieties, have no fragrance at all. And with the exception of the yellow rose, there's no relation between color and fragrance. The yellow rose, many people say, has the l east likable scent.
The best advice is to pick your roses first by look, then by scent.
Do All Roses Have Thorns?
Most roses have thorns. And most of the varieties you'll find in your local florist have an abundance of thorns. But fear not, most florists remove or shield the thorns to make your rose experience pleasant.
Giving Roses
Roses are appropriate at most every social event and at any time of the year. It's the most common flower given as an apology. But you may want to reconsider giving a bouquet of red roses when you've messed up. Pink roses actually can suggest humility, which might be a better choice in some cases.
Then again, if you really want to melt a heart, some of those gold plated roses just might be in order! Or both!
I'm a serial entrepreneur, with a resume that makes me look like a Jane of all trades. Pretty sure we are all reluctant Messiahs, travelling through life planting seeds where ever we can. Hopefully, most of mine have been good ones! MA from Miami University (Ohio, not Florida), BA from Cal State.
