Rose – The Flower of Love

“The world is a rose, smell it, and pass it to your friends.” – Persian Proverb

According to fossil records, the existence of roses can be traced back over 35 million years. Whilst most rose species are native to Asia, some derive from Europe and the Americas. The cultivation of roses is believed to have begun about 5,000 years ago in China and Persia, with roses now available worldwide in over ten thousand hybrid species.

These days the enduring beauty and desirability of the rose is virtually unmatched amongst flowers. In fact, this beautiful flower, with its tantalising scent, has the reputation for being the most popular and most widely cultivated flower in the world. A particular favourite every February, estimates show well over 200 million roses are grown for sale worldwide for Valentine’s Day each year; with red roses the most popular gift, due to their connection with love and romance. Roses of course come in a variety of colours with different meanings ascribed to each, ensuring roses are a popular gift for a wide variety of relationships and occasions.

In the list below some of the most popular colours and their main meanings are detailed.

Source: The Ultimate Rose Color Meanings Guide – SnapBlooms Blogs

In addition to being grown for gifts and ornamental use, roses are a special favourite of gardeners, with their striking blooms part of many gardens worldwide. Across Australia there are many beautiful rose gardens for visitors to enjoy, including the Victorian State Rose Garden and Mornington Botanical Rose Gardens in Victoria, Cowra Rose Garden in NSW, Ruston’s Rose Garden in South Australia, and the Queensland State Rose Garden, to name just some. Of course roses are also a popular feature of many home gardens, and with a little care and the right conditions, can be relatively easy to grow.

In addition, roses are popular in skin care and perfumery. The beautiful scent of the rose features in many perfumes and eau de toilettes sprays, such as Miss Dior Roses N’ Roses and Chloe Roses D Chloe. These days though, due to the high cost of extracting pure rose essence, most perfumes use synthetic scents. With regards to skincare, roses are prized for their antioxidants and hydrating properties, making them perfect for helping to protect and moisturise the skin.

Roses are also highly regarded within herbal medicine and aromatherapy, able to support the treatment of many conditions, particularly those related to the emotions and the heart. As with perfumery, many rose essences and absolutes are synthetic, so care must be taken to purchase from a reputable supplier to be sure of authenticity. In fact, it takes about 4,000 kilograms of petals to produce 1 kilogram of rose oil, a reason for its high cost. A popular option for use around the home, rose absolute 3% dilution in jojoba, which is readily available from most aromatherapy suppliers, enables the benefits of rose oil to be enjoyed at a more affordable price.

A gift from nature, and a symbol of love and connection, the beautiful rose can be enjoyed in so many ways, and seems set to continue its huge popularity.

 “There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

By Kerrie Clayton

Kerrie has been a member of the AHHCA for over 10 years and is currently part of its Committee of Management. She is a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner, Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. Kerrie may be contacted via www.wellnesswithkerrie.com

References:

https://www.auroma.com.au/rose-damascena-3-in-jojoba

Rose 3% Dilution in Jojoba Oil | Australian Wholesale Oils (awo.com.au)

How Many Roses Are Sold Every Year On Valentine’s Day? (valentinesgiftsforher.com.au)

https://www.snapblooms.com/blog/rose-color-meaning