The Illustrious Legacy of Roses: A Journey Through Time

The Illustrious Legacy of Roses: A Journey Through Time

In the words of acclaimed poet Robert Browning, “It was roses, roses all the way.” Emblematic of love, beauty, and grace, the rose has captivated the human spirit across time and cultures. Tracing its origins to 35 million years ago, fossil evidence reveals the longstanding history of this enchanting flower. Today, over 30,000 varieties grace the earth, showcasing the rich horticultural tapestry interwoven with the natural world.

The cultivation of the rose likely began in Asia some 5,000 years ago and has since blossomed into an intrinsic element of our heritage, adorning ancient tales and inspiring entire civilizations.

Myriad enchanting stories have unfolded through the ages with the rose at their heart, some of which still resonate with us. In Greek mythology, it is said that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, christened the rose, while Chloris, the goddess of flowers, brought it into being. When Chloris discovered a lifeless nymph in the forest, she summoned the aid of her divine cohorts. Aphrodite bestowed upon the nymph her beauty, Dionysus, the god of wine, infused her with an intoxicating scent, and the three Graces imparted charm, brightness and joy. Finally, Zephyr, the West Wind, cleared the skies so Apollo, the sun god, could make the flower bloom. Thus, the rose was born.

In another ancient legend, an old Hindu tale, Brahma, the creator of the world, and Vishnu, the protector of the world, argued whether the lotus or the rose possessed greater beauty. Vishnu supported the rose, while Brahma favored the lotus. However, once he laid eyes upon the rose, Brahma instantly acquiesced. As a reward, he created a bride for Vishnu named Lakshmi, formed from 108 large and 1008 small rose petals.

As the millennia progressed, roses continued to command reverence. In Crete, frescoes dating to circa 1700 BC depict roses with delicate five-petaled pink blooms. Egyptian tombs bear testament to the enduring allure of the rose, with wreaths containing these elegant flowers discovered within. In particular, a wreath found at the tomb of Hawara, dating to approximately 170 AD, is the oldest preserved record of a still-living rose species.

However, roses also became a symbol of the decadent Roman Empire. The ruling classes demanded peasants cultivate roses over food crops, leading to widespread hardship. Lavish displays in the form of rose water swimming baths, fountains, and petal-strewn carpets dominated imperial feasts and orgies. Roses were employed as celebratory confetti, utilized for medicinal purposes, and valued as an essence for perfume. Emperor Heliogabalus took extravagant pleasure in showering guests with a cascade of rose petals during his opulent festivities.

The 15th century witnessed the infamous War of the Roses, with the noble houses of York and Lancaster vying for power and utilizing the rose as their symbol. York adopted the white rose, while Lancaster chose the red rose to represent their respective factions.

By the 17th century, roses and rose water were so coveted that they were deemed legal tender and accepted for payment in markets and even by the royal households. Famously, Napoleon's wife Josephine adored roses and established an impressive collection of over 250 varieties at the Chateau de Malmaison, near Paris. This magnificent garden became the backdrop for renowned botanical illustrator Pierre Joseph Redouté's watercolor masterpiece "Les Rose," still considered a pinnacle of botanical illustration.

Cultivated roses were introduced to Europe in the late 18th century, arriving from China as repeat bloomers, a quality that intrigued hybridizers who no longer needed to wait an entire year for their roses to bloom.

Today, roses are commonly divided into two categories: "old roses," those cultivated in Europe prior to 1800, and "modern roses," which began their cultivation around the turn of the 19th century in England and France. Prior to the 19th century, European roses were limited to shades of pink and white. The passionate red rose, a symbol of romance, arrived from China around 1800. Intriguing green roses followed suit, and vibrant yellow roses appeared in 1900, discovered by Frenchman Joseph Permet-Ducher during his quest for a hardy yellow variety.

Indeed, the rose is a truly extraordinary botanical wonder and holds the title of the world's favorite flower. No other has enjoyed such popularity throughout history. Roses are the dominant choice in temperate climates for ornamental plants and cut flowers, as they never go out of fashion.

With an estimated 150 million plants purchased annually by gardeners worldwide and an extensive breeding program, roses are an integral part of the global cut flower market. In addition, roses have made a significant contribution to the perfume industry.

Roses carry an ancient lineage and remain intricately entwined with our history and culture. Often featured in national emblems, adopted by various political factions, businesses, and international events, it comes as no surprise that countless rose varieties continue to be cherished and cultivated by hobby gardeners the world over.

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us in cultivating your own world of roses. Delight in the ambiance of their timeless elegance, enchanting aromas, and emblematic history. Allow yourself to be captivated by the romantic allure and unmatched sophistication of these exquisite treasures of nature.