Rose

Rose

The Rose is a type of flowering shrub. Its name comes from the Latin word Rosa. The flowers of the rose grow in many different colors, from the well-known red rose to yellow roses and sometimes white or purple roses. Roses belong to the family of plants called Rosaceae.

Description

Roses are best known for their large, usually red, double flowers and their strong, distinctive fragrance. But roses come in several thousand varieties (cultivars) available, many with double flowers with a high-centered shape. Each variety of rose has its own set of characteristics, from different sizes, colors, and fragrances to varying degrees of disease resistance and hardiness.

History

The cultivation of roses probably began in Asia around 5000 years ago. They have been part of human history ever since, with rose fossils discovered that date back millions of years. The Greeks, Romans, Persians and Chinese all have histories of using roses for medicinal purposes, decoration, and even food.

Cultivation

Roses are grown for their beauty and fragrance. They are used in landscapes, gardens and as cut flowers. They are also used in perfumes and in medicine. Roses are often bred for new and intriguing color combinations, and they can be either deciduous or evergreen.

Species and cultivars

There are over 100 species of roses. The majority of roses are deciduous but a few (particularly from Southeast Asia) are evergreen or nearly so. Many species, varieties and cultivars are grown for their beauty and fragrance.

Uses

Roses are used in landscapes, in gardens, and as cut flowers. They are also used in perfumes and in medicine. Roses are often used in literature and songs. There are also many cultural symbols and uses for roses.

See also

• Rose family
• Rose garden
• Rose window
• Rose (color)
• Rose (symbolism)

References

Rose Resources
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