June is the month of the rose, or as some like to call it, “the queen of flowers.” Roses come in a wide range of colors and can be single, semi-double, or double, with small or large flowers. They can have a beautiful fragrance or remain odorless.
Roses are older than humankind. The first man probably appeared at about 4 million years ago. The rose had been waiting patiently for him for about 30 million years, to seduce him.
In ancient Greek culture, the rose has always been an eternal symbol of love, beauty, and balance. Of course, each color expresses emotion, elegance, and support a little differently, but the main message is still and forever: love!
In this article, we are going to learn more about different types of roses and their meanings based on distinct colors.
• Description
• A bit of history
• Planting
• Pests and diseases
Description
The “rose” flower (Rosa) is a shrub from the Rosaceae family. Its multiplication of interlocking petals characterizes the rose. Celebrated for its beauty since Antiquity by many poets and writers, it occupies first place in the market for cut flowers and bouquets of lovers!
This plant, which is one of the most cultivated in the world, is mainly appreciated for its superb aesthetics and enchanting fragrance. Still, the rose can also be used in the cosmetics and gastronomy sectors.
Indeed, rose petals are used to perfume sugar, tea, liqueurs, and jams. They are the basis of many preparations: rose sweets rose water, rose jelly, rose honey, rose lassi, or crystallized rose petals. Rosewater is one of the bases of the famous oriental loukoum. Each color of rose has its symbolism.
A Bit of History
These flowers originated from Central Asia about 5000 years ago. The first flowers appeared in China and Japan and spread throughout the northern hemisphere. Some scientists tell us that roses have existed for more than 30 million years. Poets in the 6th century were already singing of its splendor; it has always inspired artists and lovers alike.
Many stories are telling us about the birth of the rose, and it is Cleopatra’s story that has inspired us the most: Indeed, it has been said that Cleopatra chose to spend her wedding night on a bed of roses more than 20 centimeters thick.
Planting
Roses are planted, depending on the species, between November and April. To encourage flowering, it is good to add fertilizer around March-April, and sometimes, you can do it again in June.
This small shrub of the rosaceous family (like apple and hawthorn) can be adapted to all situations : flowerbeds, borders, hedges, pergolas, facades, and so on. With their very long stems, similar to lianas, these roses can even flourish the foliage of an old tree.
Choose a well-lit and prominent location, especially for the remontant roses that flower throughout the summer, from June to October, and even beyond if the temperatures are mild.
Allergic to limestone, the rose has an apparent preference for siliceous clay soils. In the presence of lime, your roses, victims of chlorosis, should soon become hostile! Also, think about choosing roses that are resistant or tolerant to diseases (black spots, oidium, etc.).
Tips for Care
The “pink” flower is a very fragile flower that requires a lot of care. It needs a lot of sunshine and a deep watering when it is hot.
In temperate regions, pruning is done in January or February, and in areas with a harsh winter, after frost, in early spring.
Roses are undemanding. But they do require a minimum of care to achieve maximum satisfaction. This care should consist of watering the roses and providing fertilizer. Hoeing and weeding the roses is necessary, as well as removing wildlings and wilted flowers. Treat the roses against diseases and pests and protect roses in winter.
Pests and Diseases
The rose is a flower that can be subject to many cryptogamic diseases (due to fungi); among them:
* Rust: It leads to orange and cottony pustules under the leaves of the rose, or red lights on top.
* Marsonia is a disease that causes roses to become covered with black spots.
* Powdery mildew, which usually occurs in the fall, and is known by foliage covered with soft white felting.
* Chlorosis manifests itself by a yellowing of the leaves of the rose.
Aphids target roses in the spring. To prevent aphids from attacking your pink flowers, you can treat them in a 100% natural and ecological way with black soap, for example.
Facts about the Rose
All roses have round, symmetrical flower heads in the middle and at the bottom of their vertical axis. Rose petals have a variety of shapes, ranging from pointed cones to rounded teardrops. Some are flat, while others have edges curved up or down. Roses come in a wide range of colors and many shades within the same color. The petals can be two or three colored and can bloom in almost any color except blue and black.
Here’s some other interesting information about the rose:
* There are more than 100 species of roses.
* For hundreds of years, the rose has been widely recognized as a symbol of love, sympathy, or sadness.
* The fruit of the rose is called a rosehip. This kind of berry is usually red but can also be dark purple or black.
Symbolism
The red rose has become the ultimate representation to express romantic love. There is no more prevalent symbol of love and beauty in Western art and literature than red roses. Additionally, you can find them in classical paintings, contemporary films, and many other places.
White roses are suitable for solemn occasions and are perfect for honoring a friend or loved one in the event of a new beginning or a farewell. Pure white expresses respect and honors new beginnings. The white rose symbolizes innocence and purity. That is why it has been associated with weddings and bridal bouquets.
Often considered the queen of flowers, the rose takes on different colors and meanings. Used by poets as an allegory of love, the rose has been revered by man since the dawn of time. Today it is the most cut flower in the world.