Soft, crimson petals, luscious green foliage, and a proud stem adorned in thorns. The timeless beauty of the rose has captured the hearts of many throughout the ages. The undeniable allure of its blooms has enabled roses to become strongly associated with love, affection, passion and romance, and earned it the status as the most popular flower in the world.
Roses are a woody flowering plant belonging to the genus Rosa, and in the family Rosaceae. Roses boast over three hundred species and thousands of cultivars (cultivated varieties). However, there is some debate over the true number of rose species, as some are so incredibly similar, that they could merely be variations of the same species. Most rose species are native to Asia, with others native to Europe, North America, and North West Africa.
Roses are quite unique and can be identified by their round flower heads that are radially symmetrical, velvety petals that overlap around a central ovary, and hardy stems often dotted with sharp thorns. Depending on the species or variety, rose plants can grow in erect shrubs or as climbers/trailers. Roses are perennial flowering plants, which means that they live longer than two years and will continue to bloom.
Rose plants and their blooms come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Their blooms are often large and flamboyant, sporting hues of red, pink, yellow, orange, lavender, peach, cream, green, and so on. The blooms of rose plants can also have multiple colours, pastel colouring, or show off stunning gradients.
The confident beauty of the rose and its symbolism of love and adoration will ensure that it continues to be beloved.
Caring For Rose Plants
When caring for a rose plant, it is important to research the needs of the particular species/variety that you have. However, generally speaking, caring for roses isn’t as daunting as it may initially appear.
Rose plants should be placed in a sunny area with good drainage, and watered regularly and evenly to keep soil moist, but not oversaturated. Adding mulch around your roses is an effective way to regulate moisture levels, nourish the soil, and prevent weed growth.
Roses respond very well to feeding, so fertilising will help boost the quantity and quality of your blooms, as well as the lushness of the overall plant.
A major key to caring for your rose plant is pruning. Pruning should take place in early August when the plant is dormant and blooming period is essentially over. Rose plants are fairly hardy and can survive quite heavy pruning. To prune, cut just above an outward facing bud on a slope (so water can run off), and remove dead wood and dead buds.
Caring For Arrangements
Cut roses are often gifted in beautiful bouquets and arrangements as tokens of love. Their presence brightens whatever space they occupy, however after a while the flowers start to wane. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to extend the life of your blooms.
To keep the magic of your roses alive for a little while longer, place the roses in a clean vase filled with distilled or purified water that has two tablespoons of sugar dissolved into it. The roses will absorb the sugar solution and convert it into glucose, which is essential for keeping plant cells and tissue healthy.
Replace the sugar water in the vase every time it begins to look cloudy. This will help to prevent bacteria build up, which can make your roses deteriorate at a faster rate.
We also advise that you cut approximately 2.5 centimetres off the stem every time you replace the water. Use sharp scissors to trim at an angle, so the roses can efficiently draw in the sugar solution.
Keep roses in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Following these easy steps can help your bouquet or arrangement stay fresh for weeks.