Rose

A rose is a flowering shrub of genus Rosa and the flower of this shrub. There are several species of wild roses, and a great variety of cultivated roses. Twentieth-century rose breeders generally emphasized size and color, producing large, attractive blooms with little or no scent. Many wild and "old-fashioned" roses, by contrast, have a strong sweet scent.

Roses are among the most common flowers sold by florists, as well as one of the most popular garden shrubs. Roses are of great economic importance both as a crop for florists' use and for use in perfume.

Some cultivated varieties flower from June until December in the north temperate zone. Rosa multiflora is sometimes used as a hedge or field border, and to attract birds and other wildlife: it is very prolific, however, and often spreads beyond where the gardener wants it. In particular, they were used as borders in wheat fields in the American Midwest, and became a weed.

In addition, the fruits, called rose hips, are used to make an herbal tea which is a good source of vitamin C. Only the fruits of wild roses could be used for the tea.

Most roses have thornss; however, the Lady Banks rose has no thorns.

Roses and culture

Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. The rose was sacred to a number of goddesses, and is often used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Roses are so important that the word means pink or red in a variety of languages (such as Romance languages and Greek).

Roses come in a variety of colors, each with a different symbolic meaning:

• Red: love
• Pink: grace
• Dark Pink: gratitude
• Light Pink: admiration, sympathy
• White: innocence, secrecy (see also: White Rose)
• Yellow: dying love
• Orange: passion
• Burgundy: beauty